SUPPORTING A STRONG JUDICIARY

The U.S. Senate's role of advice and consent on judicial nominations is one of the most important constitutional functions. In my capacity as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have sought to ensure that the federal courts are fully staffed by judges of the highest intellectual and personal qualities, those committed to strict adherence to both the letter and the spirit of our Constitution. Since I value the input of Kansans in this process, my Advisory Panel for Judicial Appointments plays an important role. It was input from this panel and many other Kansans that made it possible for the Senate to confirm the appointment of Judge Julie A. Robinson to the Kansas U. S. District Court.

The judicial confirmation process is long and cumbersome, and over the years, it has been fraught with politics. As with any process where the goal is excellence, confirming judicial candidates who will best serve the courts and its constituents is equally difficult. That is why the founding fathers built into the constitution a pivotal role for the Senate to "advise and consent" to Presidential nominations for the federal judiciary. It's a role I take seriously and carefully keeping in mind the interests of Kansans and Americans in a strong judiciary.