The president is responsible for nominating individuals to a wide variety of civilian, judicial and military positions. The Senate must confirm nominations. The Constitution mandates this process for ambassadors, cabinet members and Supreme Court justices. Other laws require that the Senate also confirm federal judges and certain other military and civilian appointees.  Find recommended resources on selected presidential nominations deemed to be of broad public interest.  Selected PDF images of hearing transcripts, committee reports and documents, and other government documents are provided.

U.S. Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates

On November 8, 2006, President Bush announced the nomination of Robert M. Gates to succeed Donald H. Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense.  Research specialists at the Law Library compiled a selection of resources relating to Dr. Gates. Congressional hearings and documents as well as press releases, news articles and other secondary material are included.
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Supreme Court Nominations

President Barack Obama was given an early opportunity to leave his stamp on the United States Supreme Court after Justice David Souter's retirement announcement on May 1, 2009. His first choice is Sonia Sotomayor, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since 1998. Research specialists at the Law Library compiled a selection of resources which include Congressional hearings and documents, floor debate, votes and additional secondary materials.
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Last Updated: 07/24/2012