National Urban League: Senate Shirked Its Duty

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NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE COMMENDS FILIBUSTER EFFORT;

CALLS ON THE SENATE TO REJECT THE NOMINATION OF SAMUEL ALITO

TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT


New York, N.Y. (January 30, 2006) -- Today's vote on the filibuster of the nomination of Samuel Alito to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court was a critical moment in our history. While today's vote fell short of the 40 votes needed to block confirmation, the National Urban League commends Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry for their leadership on the filibuster fight and thanks Minority Leader Harry Reid and his colleagues who supported their efforts.

Throughout his career, Judge Alito has interpreted the Constitution and laws in a manner that narrowly constricts or denies civil rights, voting rights, economic opportunity, and social justice. Judge Alito's record and his failure to fully answer questions during his hearings leave little doubt that, if elevated to the Supreme Court, he will drastically and dangerously shift the Court in the wrong direction.

Unfortunately, the Senate shirked its duty to the people it represents by cutting off debate and allowing this nomination to move forward. It is clear that had the Senate taken action weeks ago when the National Urban League and other civil rights organizations first urged a filibuster, this nomination could have been stopped.

We are especially dismayed that every member of the "Gang of 14," who engineered the deal that ensured the confirmation of three anti-civil rights judges, voted against today's filibuster. One of the excuses given for striking that compromise was that it was necessary to preserve the filibuster for the Supreme Court. Yet, today these Senators turned their backs on the very people they harmed with that disastrous deal.



As this nomination moves toward a final vote, we remind Senators that statements in support of civil rights, equal opportunity and social justice are merely empty rhetoric if not backed up by action. The National Urban League calls on every member of the Senate, regardless of party, to stand up for what is right and vote against confirmation.