WASHINGTON— President Barack Obama nominates Merrick Garland for the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Senator Roger Wicker weighs in on the nomination:
“The American people should have the opportunity to make their voices heard before filling a lifetime appointment to the nation’s highest court. In November, the country will get that chance by choosing a new President – a process that is well underway.
“Until then, our time should be spent addressing the many other legislative matters before us to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and secure our nation.”
Senator Thad Cochran agrees:
“The justice who eventually fills the current vacancy on the court will have long-lasting and far-reaching impact on our laws. The American people, through the election of a new President this fall, should have a say in this nomination.
“President Obama is within his constitutional rights to submit a nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy, and the Senate is within its constitutional rights to determine how it will exercise its advice and consent responsibilities. The bipartisan precedent of holding a Supreme Court vacancy open through the end of a president’s term in an election year should be maintained.”
