With Nuclear Option Averted, NCJW Redoubles Action on Judicial Nominations
May 24, 2005, Washingon, DC -- In response to the agreement reached by senators on filibusters and judicial nominations, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:
"There is both good news and bad news in the deal struck in the Senate last night. Clearly we are extremely disappointed that this compromise could pave the way for the confirmation of three particularly egregious nominees: Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown, and William Pryor.
"However, we are gratified by the successful effort made by our grassroots who, united with like-minded Americans across the country, spoke out to preserve our system of checks and balances. In doing so, they played an important role in bringing Senators from both parties to the negotiating table and averted the nuclear option, saving the filibuster for Supreme Court battles ahead.
"Our hope is that these voices from around the nation have truly been heard, and that senators and the President will begin to consult in good faith to safeguard a fair and independent judiciary.
"NCJW pledges to redouble its efforts to ensure that only those men and women committed to upholding constitutional rights, including reproductive freedom, are confirmed to lifetime seats on the federal bench."
NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide. It has launched BenchMark: NCJW's Campaign to Save Roe, a national effort to educate and mobilize NCJW members, the Jewish community, and friends and allies everywhere to promote a federal bench with judges who support fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to choose.
Contact:
Sammie Moshenberg
202 296 2588; sammie@ncjwdc.org