Van Hollen Statement on President Obama's Nomination of Judge Merrick Garland for Supreme Court Justice

Statement

"The selection of Judge Merrick Garland is proof of the seriousness with which President Obama takes his constitutional duty to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court with a qualified, experienced candidate. Judge Garland is a widely respected public servant who has proven his loyalty to his country and the law throughout his impressive career. Confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a 76-23 Senate vote with majority support from both parties, his ability to apply the law fairly has already been endorsed by Republicans and Democrats. He will make a great Supreme Court Justice, and as a resident of Bethesda I am proud to call him my constituent.

"Recent 5-4 decisions like Citizens United have had a profound impact on our society, and the issues soon coming before the Court are as serious as they come -- from a woman's right to access contraception and the right to choose, to deciding the fate of DREAMers facing deportation, to determining the right of hardworking Americans to collectively bargain for labor rights. These cases will touch the lives of every single person in our country, and deserve the consideration of a fully-seated bench on the Supreme Court.

"Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate Judiciary Committee must schedule a hearing and allow a timely up-or-down vote on the President's nominee. Anything less would be a total abdication of the Senate's constitutional responsibilities."

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