Shutting Down Debate on a Nomination that Will Tip the Scales

“Shutting down debate over Samuel Alito’s record just two days into the process is outrageous and an affront to democratic principles.

By short circuiting and closing down real debate, the American people are being denied their right to hear where their senators stand on this critical, court shifting nomination.

Americans have a right to know just how bad Alito’s record is and what his confirmation would mean for their rights and freedoms. In his 15 years on the bench, Alito has seldom sided with African Americans in employment discrimination cases and when there is a conflict between institutions and individuals’ rights, Alito argues against individual rights more than 80 percent of the time. Make no mistake about it, Alito has a profoundly troubling record.

We applaud those senators who are standing up for a full and open Senate debate on this lifetime appointment that will force the Supreme Court far outside the mainstream. We can only hope the rest of our senators have the courage to do what is right for this country.”

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The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most diverse civil and human rights coalition. Wade Henderson is LCCR’s executive director and the co-chair of the Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary. For more information on LCCR visit www.civilrights.org.