NCJW Welcomes Judiciary Committee Vote Endorsing Elena Kagan
July 20, 2010, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today welcomed the vote of the Senate Judiciary Committee sending the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the floor of the Senate with a recommendation that she be confirmed as the next associate justice to the US Supreme Court. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan issued the following statement:
"NCJW is pleased that the Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to recommend the confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to fill the vacancy on the US Supreme Court created by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. We urge a timely vote by the full Senate to confirm this eminently well-qualified nominee so that she may take her seat well in advance of the court’s fall term.
"Elena Kagan will bring a record of legal brilliance and the perspective of a legal career outside the federal bench to the Supreme Court. She has earned respect for her ability to bridge sharp differences among her peers, and she has been a forceful advocate for the federal government as the nation’s solicitor general. During hearings before the judiciary committee, she demonstrated her command of the law and her understanding of the critical role played by the courts in ensuring justice for all.
“NCJW members have participated vigorously in the confirmation process, and will continue to do so, by contacting their own senators to urge them to support General Kagan's nomination. We remain committed to ensuring that the critical voices of progressive Jewish women, and our broad base of allies, are heard in the consideration of candidates for lifetime seats on the highest court in the land. There is too much at stake to do otherwise."
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. Through BenchMark: NCJW's Judicial Nominations Campaign, NCJW is engaged in a national effort to educate and mobilize NCJW members, the Jewish community, and friends and allies everywhere to promote a federal bench with judges that support fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to choose.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org