I
will be guided by clear principles as I make my decision. My nominee
will be a fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream of
American law and American values. The nominee will meet the highest
standards of intellect, character, and ability, and will pledge to
faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our country. Our
nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court justice that
Americans can be proud of.
The American people also expect a Senate confirmation process that
rises above partisanship. When I met with Senate leaders, we discussed
our shared goal of making sure that the confirmation process is
dignified. The nominee deserves fair treatment, a fair hearing, and a
fair vote. I will make my nomination in a timely manner so the nominee
can be confirmed before the start of the Court's new term in October.
The experiences of the two justices nominated by President Clinton
provide useful examples of fair treatment and a reasonable timetable for
Senate action. In 1993, the Senate voted on and confirmed Justice Ruth
Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court 42 days after President Clinton
submitted her nomination. And despite the significant philosophical
differences many senators had with Justice Ginsburg, she received 96
votes in favor of confirmation.
The following year, Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days
after his nomination was submitted, with 87 votes in his favor. Again,
Republican senators in large numbers voted for confirmation of Justice
Breyer despite significant philosophical differences. These examples
show that the thorough consideration of a nominee does not require
months of delay.
As we continue the process to fill the opening on the Supreme Court,
we are also moving forward on other important priorities for the
American people. This past week, we received more good news on the
economy. The 2005 deficit is projected to be $94 billion less than
previously expected. I told the Congress and the country we would cut
the deficit in half by 2009. This week's numbers show that we are ahead
of pace, so long as Congress acts wisely with taxpayer dollars.
This good news on the budget is coupled with other news that shows
the economy is strong and getting stronger. Our economy is growing
faster than any other major industrialized nation. The unemployment rate
is down to 5 percent, lower than the average rate of the 1970s, 1980s,
and 1990s. We have created more than 2 million jobs in the past 12
months. More Americans are working today than ever before in our
nation's history, and home ownership in America is at an all-time high.
To keep our economy growing and creating jobs, Congress needs to
continue working in the upcoming weeks on our pro-growth economic
agenda. First, for the sake of our economic security and our national
security, the Congress must complete its work on a good energy bill that
will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Second, the House needs to follow the Senate's lead by approving the
Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. By
lowering trade barriers for our exports, this agreement will level the
playing field for America's goods, services and crops, and help create
jobs for American workers.
Third, Congress needs to send me a fiscally responsible highway bill
that modernizes roads and bridges, improves safety and opens up new job
opportunities.
Finally, Congress needs to move forward with Social Security reform.
For those of you who were born before 1950, Social Security will not
change. But the system has made promises to our younger workers that it
cannot pay for. And the cost of fixing the system grows higher with
every year we wait. So Congress needs to act now to strengthen Social
Security for our children and grandchildren.
The American people expect members of both parties to offer a
positive agenda and get things done for our country. By working together
in the weeks ahead, I am confident we will achieve positive results for
all Americans.
Thank you for listening.