Edward Kennedy Commit Quotations

I can still remember sitting in the Judiciary Committee at the time that William French Smith testified against it and being absolutely appalled,

Judge Pickering's record reflects a hostility to civil rights and a vision of the Republican Party that reminds Americans of a painful time in our nation's history, ... Those who lack a strong commitment to our nation's fundamental ideals and principles do not belong in our federal judiciary.

Many of us respect his ability on the issues and his intense commitment to the principles he believes in, ... We know that while serving in high office, he has time and again aggressively used litigation and legislation in creative and inappropriate ways to advance his political and ideological goals.

Chief Justice Rehnquist served this country with the greatest distinction, ... I respected his leadership of the federal judiciary and his strong commitment to the integrity and independence of the courts.

Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, there are real and serious reasons to be deeply concerned about Judge Roberts' record. Many of his past statements and writings raise questions about his commitment to equal opportunity and the bipartisan remedies we have adopted in the past.

With Justice O'Connor committing to stay until her replacement is named, we can and should remain focused first on protecting our citizens who need help the most,

must also determine whether (Roberts) has demonstrated a commitment to the constitutional principles that have been so vital in advancing fairness, decency and equal opportunity in our society.

He's obviously an intelligent and informed nominee, but the real criteria that all of us look for is whether the nominee is going to have a core commitment to the constitutional values and the rights and liberties and interest of the American people.

Our commitment to this founding principle is especially relevant today. Americans are united as rarely before in compassion and generosity for our fellow citizens whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina, The powerful winds and floodwater of Katrina tore away the mask that has hidden from public view the many Americans who are left out and left behind.

There is no safety in hiding. Like my brothers before me, I pick up a fallen standard. Sustained by the memory of our priceless years together, I shall try to carry forward that special commitment to justice, excellence and courage that distinguished their lives.

Supreme Court nominations are an occasion to pause and reflect on the values that make our nation strong, just and fair. And we must determine whether a nominee has a demonstrated commitment to those basic values.

That is a pretty big deal from a commitment standpoint.