Judicial
Nominations
October
17, 1999
The
United States Senate because of holds placed on judicial
nominees by a few very conservative senators has failed
to act on a substantial number of qualified nominees
to the federal bench, particularly minority and women
nominees as well as those who are viewed as liberal
by several very conservative members of the Judiciary
Committee. As a result, there is an immediate need
for all of those concerned with judicial independence,
effective functioning of the federal courts and protecting
the civil rights of all Americans to act in response
to this grievous situation. This is a situation which
has resulted in 61 judicial vacancies, 19 of which
are designated judicial emergencies by the Administrative
Office of the U.S. Courts.
The
Senate and the President need to know that you care
deeply about this issue, will not tolerate the unnecessary
and highly partisan delays and most importantly are
concerned about the ramifications these vacancies
have on the fair and just operation of the federal
courts. We are calling on all members of the Board
of Directors and the Trustees, Local Affiliates and
our friends and colleagues to take immediate action
on the issue of judicial nominations which is so essential
to preserving the independence of the judiciary.
What
is needed?:
Contact Senators Hatch and Lott and those listed
below in targeted areas and the White House to inform
them of the critical importance of the nomination
and confirmation of federal judges.
Voice
your outrage at the politicizing of the judicial nomination
process, especially in light of Ronnie White's rejection.
Further you should urge the Senate to do the following:
