Press Release - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Filibuster of Impeccably Well-Qualified Nominee to Understaffed D.C. Circuit
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Westbrook Simpson, 202.466.2061, simpson@civilrights.org
March 6, 2013
Washington, D.C. – The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following statement on today’s Senate filibuster of the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to the understaffed U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit:
“The civil rights community is shocked by the Republican obstruction of Caitlin Halligan, an impeccably well-qualified nominee who deserves an up-or-down vote for confirmation to the D.C. Circuit. Her incredible record of accomplishments remains undiminished by the campaign of distortion that brought about today’s result.
This vote also shows a disturbing lack of concern for our country’s justice system. The D.C. Circuit’s importance is second only to that of the Supreme Court. This court’s workload has increased in recent years and to leave four of its seats vacant– including a seat that’s been empty for nearly eight years– is a disgrace.
The D.C. Circuit considers some of the most important civil rights issues of our time, including the recent decision on the President’s recess appointment powers regarding the National Labor Relations Board. In Shelby County v. Holder, the D.C. Circuit also upheld the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act before the case was appealed to the Supreme Court.
Yet because of persistent obstructionism by the Senate minority, President Obama is the first president in more than 50 years without a confirmed judge to the D.C. Circuit.
Today’s vote was a major step backward for access to justice in this country. For the good of our nation, we need the Senate to put aside partisanship and make the confirmation process work as intended.
The D.C. Circuit needs outstanding judges like Caitlin Halligan, and it needs them as soon as possible.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
