Sen. Cornyn, Bipartisan Hispanic Leaders Voice Unified Support For Sarah Saldaña To Serve As U.S. Attorney -- Northern District

Statement

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement after joining a bipartisan group of Hispanic community leaders at a Dallas press conference to voice their unified support for the nomination of Sarah Saldaña to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Sen. Cornyn was joined by representatives from the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, local elected officials, and various organizations. As it stands, despite the support of Sens. Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison's bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee and the endorsement of numerous bipartisan organizations in the Metroplex and across the state, Ms. Saldana has not been nominated by the White House for this appointment--even as the U.S. Attorney slot has been vacant for more than a year:

"We are all here today to show our broad support for the person we believe should be the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas: Sarah Saldaña. She's a career prosecutor who hasn't shied away from the tough cases -- and who clearly understands that no one is above the law. Ms. Saldaña has earned the respect and support of Democrats and Republicans; liberals and conservatives; and many women's and Hispanic groups as well.

"Ms. Saldaña earned my support through the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee-- which Senator Hutchison and I have trusted to evaluate judicial and U.S. Attorney candidates under presidents of both parties.

"However, Ms. Saldaña's nomination is opposed by certain members of our congressional delegation. No legitimate reason has been offered for this opposition. Whatever their reason, I urge them to re-read Article II of the Constitution -- which gives the Senate -- not the House -- the responsibility to provide advice and consent to the President on executive and judicial appointments.

"The White House would set a very bad precedent if they bowed to apparent political pressure, pulled their support and refused to nominate her. So I have urged the President to continue supporting Ms. Saldaña in unequivocal terms and finally nominate her to the post that she deserves."

North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino also added, "Sarah Saldana is extremely qualified to fill this position and perform the duties of U.S. Attorney. I am in full support of her appointment."

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