Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: February 3, 2017
Gorsuch: A Great Pick | By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
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Washington, DC (Feb. 3, 2017) - The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land. Established by Article III of the Constitution, the men and women appointed to the Supreme Court have the responsibility of deciding some of the toughest constitutional questions facing our country today. Just days ago, President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to be the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
The president’s power to make nominations to the Supreme Court is one that has lasting effects on the legal landscape of our country for generations to come. A justice’s service – an appointment for life – extends well beyond the term of the president that nominates them. That is precisely why it is important that the next justice be one who will uphold the original meaning of the Constitution, judge cases fairly before the Court, and one that has true respect for the Constitution’s place in our system of government and the limited powers it grants.
Judge Gorsuch is a great pick, and his career on the federal bench has proven that he is committed to upholding these principles found in our country’s most sacred document. In fact, I had the opportunity to meet Judge Gorsuch, and his wife, at the White House on the night of his nomination, and I am extremely encouraged by President Trump’s selection of a “by the book” judge. While the House of Representatives does not play a role in confirming justices, the decisions of the Supreme Court impact every American. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I am particularly interested in ensuring the fair administration of justice and the constitutional interpretation of the laws passed by Congress.
At age 49, Judge Gorsuch’s resume and history of service is impressive. Hailing from Colorado, he served for over a decade on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit after previously being approved for this role by a voice vote in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, Judge Gorsuch served as a Clerk for Justice Kennedy and former Justice White. I continue to review his decisions and writings, but it is clear that Judge Gorsuch will be a defender of life and religious freedoms and a strict follower of the intent of our Constitution and laws.
Senate Republicans wanted the voters to have a say in who should nominate the next Supreme Court justice. The people entrusted President Trump to make nominations such as Judge Gorsuch to the federal bench when he was elected in November, and I am pleased that the President is keeping his promise to the people. Judge Gorsuch is eminently qualified, respects the Constitution and the rule of law, and I hope to see him confirmed by the Senate as the 113th Supreme Court justice. | | | | | |
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