THE
PRESIDENT: Morning. This summer I announced the nomination of Judge John
Roberts to be associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States. I choose Judge Roberts from among the most distinguished jurists
and attorneys in the country because he possesses the intellect,
experience and temperament to be an outstanding member of our nation's
Highest Court.
For the past two months, members of the United States Senate
and the American people have learned about the career and character of
Judge Roberts. They like what they see. He's a gentleman. He's a man of
integrity and fairness. And throughout his life, he has inspired the
respect and loyalty of others. John Roberts has built a record of
excellence and achievement, and a reputation for goodwill and decency
toward others.
In his extraordinary career, Judge Roberts has argued 39 cases before
the nation's Highest Court. When I nominated him to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia, he was confirmed by unanimous
consent. Both those who've worked with him and those who have faced him
in the courtroom speak with admiration of his striking ability as a
lawyer and his natural gifts as a leader. Judge Roberts has earned the
nation's confidence and I'm pleased to announce that I will nominate him
to serve as the 17th chief justice of the Supreme Court.
The passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist leaves the center
chair empty just four weeks left before the Supreme Court reconvenes. It
is in the interest of the Court and the country to have a chief justice
on the bench on the first full day of the fall term. The Senate is well
along in the process of considering Judge Roberts' qualifications. They
know his record and his fidelity to the law. I'm confident that the
Senate can complete hearings and confirm him as chief justice within a
month. As a result of my decision to nominate Judge Roberts to be chief
justice, I also have the responsibility to submit a new nominee to
follow Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I will do so in a timely manner.
Twenty-five years ago, John Roberts came to Washington as a clerk to
Justice William Rehnquist. In his boss, the young law clerk found a role
model, a professional mentor, and a friend for life. I'm certain that
Chief Justice Rehnquist was hoping to welcome John Roberts as a
colleague, and we're all sorry that day didn't come. Yet it's fitting
that a great chief justice be followed in office by a person who shared
his deep reverence for the Constitution, his profound respect for the
Supreme Court, and his complete devotion to the cause of justice.
Congratulations.
JUDGE ROBERTS: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. I am honored and
humbled by the confidence that the President has shown in me. And I'm
very much aware that if I am confirmed, I would succeed a man I deeply
respect and admire, a man who has been very kind to me for 25 years.
Thank you, Mr. President, for that special opportunity.