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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been asked to testify on a witness panel at next week’s Senate Judiciary Hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito
Washington, DC –Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Weston) has been asked by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to testify on a witness panel at next week’s Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court.
“I am honored to come before the distinguished members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to express why our country cannot afford to elevate Judge Alito to the highest court in the land,” said Wasserman Schultz.
“There is no question that Judge Alito has impressive education credentials and has led a distinguished career, but credentials alone do not qualify an individual for elevation to the Supreme Court,” said Wasserman Schultz. “His writings and past work make it clear that he is at odds and out of step with many issues that face Americans.”
Alito has been a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit since his 1990 appointment by President George H.W. Bush. If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
“In nominating Judge Alito, President Bush has not only forfeited an opportunity to retain, or even expand, the diversity of the court--he has essentially sent a message to the nation that he has little regard for the privacy rights of Americans or the careful balance our Founding Fathers struck in establishing our system of checks and balances. Judge Alito's record has shown an indifference to the Constitution when it conflicts with his personal opinion,” said Wasserman Schultz.
Representative Wasserman Schultz is in her first term as a member of Congress. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees. Prior to coming to Washington, Wasserman Schultz served in the Florida state legislature for 12 years, serving in the Florida Senate and as the second highest ranking Democrat in the Florida House. During her tenure, she established herself as a champion of women, children, and families. Last spring her state legislative experience with the Terry Schiavo case prompted her to emerge as a leading voice on privacy issues during the House debate.
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