NCJW Praises Confirmation of Judge Hamilton to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
November 20, 2009, WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today praised the Senate's confirmation of Judge David Hamilton to the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"The Senate's confirmation of US District Court Judge David Hamilton after a delay of eight months is a long overdue step toward filling vacancies on the federal bench with qualified mainstream candidates committed to constitutional values. His confirmation came only after an effort to filibuster his nomination was soundly rejected by a vote of 70-29.
"Those who supported the filibuster included several who derided the tactic in the past and pledged to support it only under extraordinary circumstances -- circumstances that surely were not present with this nominee. With a distinguished record on the bench, Judge Hamilton had the wholehearted support of the Republican senator from his state, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a well-respected leader in the Senate.
"The eight months it took to get to this point is apparently the result of a strategy by a small minority of the Senate to deprive President Obama's nominees of a timely up-or-down vote. It is time to get the confirmation process moving so that candidates with overwhelming support can take their places on the bench and begin their work."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org