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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Before confirmation hearings were scheduled to begin, it was announced that Miers had asked for her nomination to be withdrawn.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.