July 19, 2005
“President Bush has chosen John G. Roberts Jr. as a nominee to be the next Supreme Court Justice to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
“The Senate will now review carefully the record of Justice O’Connor’s replacement to guarantee that this person respects the rights and freedoms of all Americans and will judge cases fairly, with an open mind, and without a political agenda.
“Based on a preliminary review of available records, I have some serious concerns about John Roberts' positions on fundamental reproductive freedoms, civil rights, the separation of church and state and protecting the environment and I hope that the confirmation process involves an in-depth review of this nominee and hearings that include both questions and answers.
“I will join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in carefully weighing Judge Roberts' record on issues of particular importance to the African American community, including affirmative action, civil rights, justice and equality.”
###
Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee in Response to the Nomination of John Roberts for the Supreme Court
(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) offered the following statement in response to the nomination of John G. Roberts Jr. to be the next Supreme Court Justice:“President Bush has chosen John G. Roberts Jr. as a nominee to be the next Supreme Court Justice to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
“The Senate will now review carefully the record of Justice O’Connor’s replacement to guarantee that this person respects the rights and freedoms of all Americans and will judge cases fairly, with an open mind, and without a political agenda.
“Based on a preliminary review of available records, I have some serious concerns about John Roberts' positions on fundamental reproductive freedoms, civil rights, the separation of church and state and protecting the environment and I hope that the confirmation process involves an in-depth review of this nominee and hearings that include both questions and answers.
“I will join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in carefully weighing Judge Roberts' record on issues of particular importance to the African American community, including affirmative action, civil rights, justice and equality.”
###