What Would You Ask John Roberts? Senators Want to Know
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - 8/3/2005
Seven Democratic Senators, led by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D. Md., have launched a non-partisan interactive website, AskJohnRoberts.com, to provide an opportunity for visitors to let the Senate Judiciary Committee "know the questions that are on every American's mind" as it considers the nomination of John Roberts to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court..The website is sponsored by Sen. Mikulski, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D. Calif., Sen. Patty Murray, D. Wash., Sen. Mary Landrieu, D. La., Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D. Mich., Sen. Maria Cantwell, D. Wash., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D. N.Y.
AskJohnRoberts.com allows visitors to share their questions, opinions and concerns about Judge Roberts, whose confirmation hearings will begin Sept. 6.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Arlen Specter has said that he plans on scheduling a committee vote for Sept. 15, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R. Tenn., said he would open floor debate by Sept. 26 in order to get a final vote before the next Supreme Court term begins in early October.
The questions collected on the website will be used as guides for material the senators will submit to the Judiciary Committee. "I believe the American people should have a voice: it's their Supreme Court and this appointment will have a direct impact on their lives and lives of generations to come," Senator Mikulski said at a press conference announcing the website launch held on July 28th.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has launched a similar "Ask Judge Roberts" campaign.
RAC Director Rabbi David Saperstein stated, "While it is the Senate's responsibility to examine whether a nominee is worthy of a seat on our nation's highest Court, it is the American people's right and responsibility to help frame the debate. AskJohnRoberts.com is an opportunity for the American people to give our 'advice' before the Senate is asked for its 'consent.'"
