Regarding Glenn Sugameli's erroneous claim that U.S. Senate confirmations of President Barack Obama's federal district court nominees are being delayed, as of the end of March, Obama had had more district court nominees confirmed by the Senate (129) than during the last four years of the Bush presidency (120). (See: "Delayed judicial nominees," Wednesday letters) The average time from nomination to confirmation during the Bush administration is within one week of the average time for Obama administration nominees.
Obama has submitted fewer district court nominations to the Senate than President George W. Bush did during his first term (173 v. 215). Some nominations (at least two in Texas) have been delayed at the White House when the administration's preferred candidates were eliminated during standard FBI background investigations.The Senate is continuing to carry out its constitutional responsibilities. Last week, the Senate confirmed two new judges from Texas, David Guaderrama and Gregg Costa. Sen. John Cornyn and I were proud to recommend them to the White House after their qualifications had been reviewed thoroughly by our Federal Judicial Advisory Group. Next week, the Senate will take action on three more district court nominees from Arkansas, Illinois and California.-- U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey HutchisonHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
