(Washington, DC)— Congresswoman Diane E. Watson issued the following statement on the President’s nomination of John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court:

“Last evening, President Bush announced the nomination of John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court.  Judge Roberts has impressive educational and legal credentials.  It is now the job of the Senate to review Judge Robert’s record and determine whether he has demonstrated a commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality, and fairness.

“It has been widely reported that one of the reasons President Bush nominated Judge Roberts is because of his sparse judicial record.  I am concerned, however, that where he does have a record, Judge Roberts’ ideology and judicial philosophy raise troubling questions, particularly with respect to a woman’s right to privacy.

“While it is important not to prejudge Judge Roberts, it is equally critical that the Senate exercise its due diligence and seek concrete answers to where Judge Roberts stands on issues that impact every American’s constitutional freedoms and guarantees.  This is all the more important because the U.S. Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the appointment of Supreme Court justices is for life.”