As Judge Garland Submits Credentials to Senate Judiciary Committee, Shaheen Renews Call for a Hearing on His Nomination

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) renewed her call on Republican Senate leaders to fulfill their Constitutional responsibilities and hold hearings and a vote on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland. Following the practice of previous nominees to the Supreme Court, Judge Garland today submitted his completed questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Judge Garland's questionnaire presents an exhaustive look at his distinguished career, credentials and record.

"Judge Garland's qualifications, as presented in the questionnaire, make it clear why he is a strong nominee for the Supreme Court," said Shaheen. "The idea that we can't move forward on his nomination is nothing more than election year politics. Republicans in the Senate need to do their due diligence, review these documents and schedule a hearing on Garland's nomination. This country is tired of gridlock and wants the Senate to work in a bipartisan way. Our constituents entrusted us with a responsibility to support and defend the Constitution, and the Constitution is clear on the Senate's obligation in this case."

Shaheen held a press conference in Concord at the end of March calling on Republican Senate leaders to hold hearings and a vote on the President's nominee. Shaheen met with Judge Garland in April.

Since 1975, nominees to the Supreme Court have waited an average of 42 days for a hearing. Judge Garland was nominated by President Obama over 50 days ago.

Judge Garland has served for 19 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and as Chief Judge of the Court for the past three years. He was confirmed to the bench by a bipartisan Senate vote of 76-23. Chief Judge Garland previously served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. under President George H.W. Bush's administration.

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