Thrilled over the confirmation of Samul Alito to the Supreme Court, many senators have released statements affirming their respect and support for the new associate justice.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.):
"Today's vote proves that the Senate can hold a free, dignified and thorough debate on judicial nominees, while still fulfilling the Senate's constitutional responsibility to give nominees fair up-or-down votes on the Senate floor. In every respect, Judge Alito is a nominee who meets the highest standards of excellence and I congratulate him on this most deserved achievement.
"I hope the senate builds off today’s bipartisan momentum and continues to temper partisan rhetoric, summon civility and its members commit themselves to genuinely addressing the issues that matter to the American people."
Sen. Sam Brownback (R.-Kan.):
"The confirmation of Samuel Alito to be our 110th Justice of the Supreme Court is a victory for the Constitution and the country.
"During his Judiciary Committee hearing, Samuel Alito showed America that he met the criteria President Bush outlined and the American people endorsed in the last election: he will remain faithful to the text of the Constitution and will not legislate from the bench. Even more, he withstood baseless attacks on his character and judicial record with a grace and dignity appropriate for one who wears the robe.
"I congratulate Justice Alito and President Bush on a successful nomination, and look forward to Justice Alito continuing his long devotion to law and public service on the Supreme Court."
Sen. Jon Kyl (R.-Ariz.):
"I am pleased with today's confirmation of Sam Alito to the Supreme Court and I congratulate him and his family. The nation is well-served when people of Sam Alito’s caliber are willing to endure the grueling confirmation process in order to answer the call to public service.
"More than anything, I believe that it was his tremendous command of the law and impeccable credentials which earned him the support of a majority of Senators today. I’m confident that Judge Alito will continue to demonstrate the same qualities as a Justice that he has throughout his career on the appellate court and during the confirmation process."
Sen. John Cornyn (R.-Texas):
"I extend my congratulations to Justice Alito and his family on his confirmation, commend him for his stamina and fortitude throughout the nominations process, and thank him for his willingness to continue serving our great country. It has been my pleasure to support such a fine nominee.
"I hope we can all now agree that judicial philosophy is not a justification for a filibuster, and that qualifications matter. The Senate sent a powerful message Monday by voting nearly three to one to reject the use of a filibuster and to hold a fair up-or-down vote. And we set an example for future nomination debates by rejecting those who would block a nominee simply because he doesn't have a political platform that fits the demands of the liberal lobbyists."
Sen. Larry Craig (R.-Idaho):
"Today we have sent a man to the Supreme Court who is not only an experienced, hardworking and thoughtful judge, but also an outstanding human being. I believe he is exactly the sort of man the Founding Fathers had in mind as they framed the Constitution. Judge Alito’s colleagues, from across the political spectrum, have praised him for his honesty, integrity and adherence to the law.
"When I met with him, I was impressed by his temperament and character, and his performance before the Judiciary Committee confirmed my assessment. Judge Alito will be a phenomenal Supreme Court justice, and I commend President Bush for nominating him."
Sen. Jim DeMint (R.-S.C.):
"Judge Alito has the most judicial experience of any nominee to come before the Senate in over 70 years, and I applaud his bipartisan confirmation to the Supreme Court. The consistent winner in his court has not been a person, business, branch of government or political ideology - it has been the rule of law. During 30 years of public service and 15 years on the bench, Judge Alito has proved to be a humble, thoughtful and fair judge all Americans can be proud of.
"If someone had told me last January that Sandra Day O'Connor and William Rehnquist would leave the court and a bipartisan majority would confirm John Roberts and Samuel Alito, two of America's most respected judges, I'm not sure I would have believed it. This is a major accomplishment for our nation and I’m honored to have been part of it.
"Judge Alito is exactly the kind of Justice America needs, a man who does not prejudge any case and follows the law without injecting political opinions. In our meeting together and throughout his hearings, Judge Alito showed that he is a man of utmost intellect and integrity. I am confident that he will bring the wisdom and humility needed out our nation’s highest court."
