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Wilson Urges Democrats to Give Justice Owen a Fair Vote

May 17, 2005
Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) gave the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of Justice Priscilla Owen and in opposition to Senate Democrats' partisan and unprecedented obstruction of President Bush's judicial nominees. Congressman Wilson strongly supports the constitutional option, which would ensure that all judicial nominees receive a fair, up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. "Madame Speaker, yesterday The Wall Street Journal highlighted the extreme and politically-charged use of the Senate Democratic filibuster," said Wilson. "Editors at The Wall Street Journal clearly articulated the audacity of the Democrats' radical claims against nominee Priscilla Owen of Texas. Justice Owen is a well respected and accomplished nominee who enjoys significant bipartisan support and would be quickly confirmed if given an up or down vote. Unfortunately, Democrats are denying her this opportunity in a desperate attempt to hold on to federal power and legislate through the judicial system. Their agenda is fueled by bitterness and not in the best interests of the American people."Majority Leader Bill Frist is to be commended for maintaining the constitutional case for an up-or-down vote. Democrat obstructionism is a radical deviation from allowing Senators to vote for nominees who are highly qualified to serve our country. I support Senator Frist's efforts and urge Senate Democrats to give Justice Owen a fair vote. "In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th."###