Supreme Court Nominations Timeline (2005-2006)

During the Bush administration, two seats became vacant, giving President Bush the opportunity to nominate a justice and a new chief justice.

July 1, 2005: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement.
July 29, 2005: President Bush nominated D.C. Circuit Court Judge John Roberts, Jr. to fill her seat.
September 3, 2005: Chief Justice William Rehnquist died while in office.
September 6, 2005: Bush withdrew his nomination of Roberts for O'Connor's associate justice seat, and nominated Roberts for the chief justice position.
September 29, 2005: John Roberts, Jr. was confirmed as chief justice.
October 3, 2005: Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers for associate justice.
October 27, 2005: Before confirmation hearings were scheduled to begin, it was announced that Miers had asked for her nomination to be withdrawn.
October 31, 2005: Bush nominated Samuel Alito for associate justice.
January 31, 2006: Samuel Alito was confirmed as associate justice.