ACLJ Applauds Sen. Specter's Pledge to End Judicial Filibusters in Senate.WASHINGTON -- The American Center for Law and Justice, which specializes in constitutional law, said it is encouraged by Sen. Arlen Specter's pledge to end judicial filibusters in the U.S. Senate. "We are pleased that Senator Specter has clearly stated his intentions to support and move forward President Bush's judicial nominees without applying any litmus test litmus test n. A test for chemical acidity or basicity using litmus paper. to deny confirmation of pro-life nominees," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ ACLJ American Center for Law and Justice ACLJ Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (Washington, DC) . "As incoming chairman of the Judiciary Committee, we are very encouraged about Sen. Specter's pledge to bring an end to judicial filibusters - even if it means a rules change eliminating the supermajority Supermajority A corporate amendment in a company's charter requiring a large majority (anywhere from 67%-90%) of shareholders to approve important changes, such as a merger. needed to cut-off a filibuster filibuster, term used to designate obstructionist tactics in legislative assemblies. It has particular reference to the U.S. Senate, where the tradition of unlimited debate is very strong. It was not until 1917 that the Senate provided for cloture (i.e. . This is a critically important time for our nation and our judicial system and we are confident Sen. Specter will provide the leadership needed to ensure that the Senate fulfills its constitutional obligations to provide advice and consent for the President's judicial nominees." The ACLJ has provided members of the Senate Judiciary Committee The U.S. Senate established the Committee on the Judiciary on December 10, 1816, as one of the original 11 standing committees. It is also one of the most powerful committees in Congress; among its wide range of jurisdictions is investigation of federal judicial nominees and oversight of and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist with legal memoranda detailing the options available to the Senate to eliminate the use of filibusters targeting judicial nominees. Those memos are posted at http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=865. The American Center for Law and Justice is based in Washington, D.C. |
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