What They’re Saying – Women’s Organizations

National Partnership for Women & Families: “President Obama Acted In The Country’s Best Interest This Morning By Nominating Judge Merrick Garland To Serve As Associate Justice On The U.S. Supreme Court. He Is A Strong Choice, With Impeccable Credentials, Who Deserves Speedy Confirmation By The Senate.”

“‘President Obama acted in the country’s best interest this morning by nominating Judge Merrick Garland to serve as associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a strong choice, with impeccable credentials, who deserves speedy confirmation by the Senate. We are confident that, just as a strong, bipartisan Senate majority confirmed Judge Garland to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1997, fair-minded senators will find him well qualified to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court now. The politically motivated threats and vows not to act by Republican senators over the last several weeks have done a grave disservice to the country, which has never needed civility in government more than it does now. Our Constitution calls for the president to nominate and the Senate to confirm judicial nominees. The Supreme Court needs nine justices, and the country deserves to have this vacancy filled now. In coming months and years, the Supreme Court will issue rulings that have a significant impact on our nation’s privacy, labor, women’s and civil rights and other essential laws. Certainly, women rely on the Supreme Court to protect our privacy and equal justice and fairness for all. We need a full complement of nine justices for the full vindication of our constitutional and legal rights. We have every right to expect the Senate to do its constitutional duty, fairly and expeditiously. We call on every senator to put petty politics aside and do her or his duty by giving prompt and fair consideration to Judge Garland. Women have a tremendous amount at stake.’” [National Partnership for Women & Families Press Release, 3/16/16]

Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood: “Judge Garland Is An Intelligent, Highly Accomplished Judge Who Has Secured Bipartisan Support In His Previous Appointments. Now That The President Has Upheld His Constitutional Duty, It Is Time For The Senate To Uphold Theirs.”

“Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund: Judge Garland is an intelligent, highly accomplished judge who has secured bipartisan support in his previous appointments. Now that the President has upheld his constitutional duty, it is time for the Senate to uphold theirs. The American people deserve a full court and a justice appointed by the President they elected for four years — not three. It is time for the Senate to do their job and give Judge Garland a fair hearing and up or down vote.” [Planned Parenthood Press Release, 3/16/16]

NARAL: “By Objective Standards, There Are Few More Qualified Candidates For The Highest Court In The Land Than Judge Merrick Garland, Yet The Republican Senate Is Refusing To Do Its Job And Move His Nomination Forward In A Timely Manner… We Look Forward To Learning More About Judge Garland’s Views On The Constitutional Right To Abortion And Reproductive Freedom As This Process Continues.”

“As President Obama today fulfilled his constitutional duty to act on filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court, NARAL Pro-Choice America called on Senate Republicans to do their job and hold a hearing on the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland. As chief judge on the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals and a former principal associate deputy US attorney general, Garland is an accomplished jurist who has had an impressive legal career. Despite Judge Garland’s qualifications, Senate Republican leaders have stated their refusal to hold a hearing on any nominee to fill the vacancy on the high court—a commitment made even before the identity of President Obama’s nominee was known. 

“In light of Senate Republicans’ continued refusal to do their jobs and consider the nomination of Judge Garland, NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue issued the following statement: 

“‘By objective standards, there are few more qualified candidates for the highest court in the land than Judge Merrick Garland, yet the Republican Senate is refusing to do its job and move his nomination forward in a timely manner. They are intentionally leaving a vacuum in one of the most hallowed and significant institutions in our country and denying the American people a complete and full vetting of a new Supreme Court justice.  

“‘This year, monumental cases will be decided by the Court on abortion access specifically and reproductive rights generally. Judge Garland does not have a public record on reproductive rights and Senate Republicans’ obstruction denies all of us our right to know where this nominee stands on core constitutional questions of women's privacy, dignity, and equality.  With seven in ten Americans supporting legal access to abortion, we have a right to know where our justices stand on this important issue. It’s time for Republicans to stop putting their party’s interests ahead of our nation’s. 

“‘We look forward to learning more about Judge Garland’s views on the constitutional right to abortion and reproductive freedom as this process continues. President Obama fulfilled his constitutional duty today to help fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, now Senator McConnell and the Senate Republicans must fulfill theirs.’” [NARAL Press Release, 3/16/16]

National Women’s Law Center: “The President today fulfilled his constitutional responsibility and nominated an impressive federal judge to fill the vacant seat left on the Supreme Court by the unexpected death of Justice Antonin Scalia.”

“The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) today praised President Obama for his timely nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court.

“‘The President today fulfilled his constitutional responsibility and nominated an impressive federal judge to fill the vacant seat left on the Supreme Court by the unexpected death of Justice Antonin Scalia,’ said Marcia D. Greenberger, NWLC Co-President. ‘Judge Garland is a distinguished jurist whose impeccable credentials are widely acknowledged in the legal community.’”

“The Senate confirmed Judge Garland to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1997, and he has been the Chief Judge since 2013. Before his appointment to the D.C. Circuit, he served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Deputy Assistant Attorney General and then Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He also was a partner at the law firm of Arnold & Porter. He served as a law clerk to Judge Henry J. Friendly on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and to Justice William J. Brennan, Jr.

“‘The Supreme Court decides critical legal questions that affect people’s lives on a daily basis, and that is especially true for women,’ she added. ‘While we cannot help but note that, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said, there will not be ‘enough’ women on the Supreme Court until there are nine, President Obama has nominated an impressive federal judge. It’s imperative that the United States Senate give him a fair and expeditious confirmation hearing and vote.’

“The National Women’s Law Center has extensive expertise on the legal issues of central importance to women and on how Supreme Court rulings have affected women and their families, in areas such as the constitutional right to privacy and its application to access to contraception and abortion, the Equal Protection Clause and anti-discrimination laws that apply broadly, including at work and at school, and Congress’s ability to enact health, safety and economic and social welfare legislation.” [NWLC, 3/16/16]

American Association of University Women: “It is now time for the U.S. Senate to undertake its constitutional duties on Garland’s nomination.”

“Today President Obama made good on his promise from 32 days ago by nominating Judge Merrick Garland to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. AAUW members and supporters nationwide have urged the president to move forward with a nominee, thereby beginning the critical constitutional process to fill the seat. The president believes that Garland, a seasoned appeals court jurist, meets the criteria for this lifetime appointment because of his ‘independent mind and unimpeachable credentials [and an] unquestionable mastery of the law.’

“It is now time for the U.S. Senate to undertake its constitutional duties on Garland’s nomination. The country deserves a national conversation on this candidate’s qualifications, and the candidate deserves a hearing and serious consideration. It is now the Senate’s turn to be an effective steward of the Constitution and advise the president on the nomination. Our proud history shows that there is ample time for the Senate to consider this nominee and give him an ‘up or down’ vote.

“This time-honored process of ‘advice and consent’ is a critical part of our democracy, and the constancy of the process itself is as important as the confirmation of any individual nominee. AAUW is hopeful that our elected leaders will rise above the partisan fray and simply do what the Constitution requires: The Senate must move forward to fairly and expeditiously consider a nominee. In so doing, the Senate will reassure the American people that a fully staffed court will be available to deliver this year’s critical Supreme Court decisions. To do anything less is an insult to the proud precedent of our constitutional government transitioning peacefully and efficiently, especially in election years.” [AAUW, 3/16/16]

Moms Rising: “By all accounts, Judge Merrick Garland is an excellent choice to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.”

“Even before President Obama had time to consider a nominee to fill Justice Antonin Scalia’s vacancy on the Supreme Court, Republicans in Congress said they would oppose anyone he nominated. We at MomsRising hope that was just political hyperbole and that Congressional leaders will recognize that the President’s Constitutional responsibility and the good of the nation are more important than partisanship.

“By all accounts, Judge Merrick Garland is an excellent choice to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. He is widely recognized as a thoughtful judge who shows no ideological bias, and has been praised by both liberals and conservatives. In fact, when he was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by President Bill Clinton, he was confirmed by a vote of 76 to 23, and won support from 32 Republican senators.

“It’s important to note that while we strongly support Judge Garland’s nomination, MomsRising was a part of an effort led by the Black Women’s Round Table to urge the President to nominate an African American woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, thereby further increasing the diversity of the Court and adding the first-ever African American female Supreme Court Justice. We are disappointed that did not happen. Representation that reflects the diversity of people in our nation in all sectors of government – including the Supreme Court of the United States — is critical.

“What our nation needs right now is not another partisan, ideological battle. We need a complete Supreme Court to decide the crucial Constitutional issues before it. We need a Congress that respects and stands by the Constitution and is prepared to fulfill its role in helping to fill that Supreme Court. And we need to see our nation’s leaders come together and act for the good of our society. That will not be achieved by blindly opposing a well-respected, well-qualified jurist and leaving a vacancy on the nation’s highest court for nine months.

“We urge Congress to rise above partisan politics, to examine closely Judge Garland’s qualifications, and to seriously consider his nomination as the Constitution dictates. Our nation’s laws and the fabric of our society depend on it.” [Moms Rising, 3/16/16]

Center For Reproductive Rights: “We Look Forward To The Confirmation Of A Justice That Recognizes The Urgency Of Protecting Women's Constitutional Rights At A Time When They Have Become Severely Imperiled.”

“Said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights: ‘Today, President Obama took an important step by nominating Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.  Supreme Court Justices are responsible for some of the most consequential legal decisions affecting the lives of all Americans, and we strongly urge the Senate to put partisan politics aside and move quickly to fulfill its constitutional duty by immediately holding confirmation hearings.  

“‘It is critical that the next Supreme Court Justice recognize and uphold decades of Court precedent protecting women's reproductive rights and safeguard our liberty and dignity against political attacks. We look forward to the confirmation of a justice that recognizes the urgency of protecting women's constitutional rights at a time when they have become severely imperiled.’” [Center for Reproductive Rights Press Release, 3/16/16]

NCNW: “NCNW is concerned about all issues that affect women and their families. There is an issue of great importance facing every American today.”

“The President of the United States has a Constitutional obligation to nominate a qualified individual to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court left by Justice Antonin Scalia's untimely death. The U.S. Senate has the obligation to debate and vote whether to confirm the President's nomination.  But members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have announced their plan to block Senate confirmation and deny "Advice and Consent." Some have pledged to block confirmation of ANY nominee put forward by President Obama.

“Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY to urge them to give President Obama's Supreme Court nominee a fair hearing in the U.S. Senate, as required by the U.S. Constitution. You can find contact information for the Senate Judiciary Committee by visiting Senate Judiciary Website. To find your own Senator, visit the U.S. Senate Website.

“Our message is simple! Respect the Constitution and the separation of powers among the branches of government. Give thoughtful consideration to President Obama's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Americans should not have a year-long vacancy on the Court at a time when Citizens United (the case that effectively ended regulation of political campaign contributions), the Voting Rights Act, affirmative action and other important issues are on the Court's agenda. The most long-lasting action a President makes is the appointment of a justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court that could change the direction of the country. You can make a good argument that the most lasting work of a president is in the federal judges he/she nominates. The GOP understands this. That is why Mitch McConnell is pledging to block ANY person President Obama nominates. We must be similarly diligent to assure that the President’s obligation to nominate justices to the court is not thwarted. It matters. It matters whether the Affordable Care Act continues to be attacked. It matters whether race can be taken into account in government contracting and college admissions. It matters whether money is speech and can be spent in unlimited amounts in political campaigns. It matters whether the right to vote may be infringed merely to provide political advantage.

Take Action: Contact your U.S. Senator to Urge Hearings for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee.” [NCNW National Executive Director, Janice L. Mathis, Esq.]

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable: “We strongly urge the U.S. Senate to live up to its constitutional responsibility and grant Judge Garland a fair committee hearing and an up or down vote in the full Senate.”

“We are pleased that President Obama has fulfilled his Constitutional responsibility by nominating The Honorable Merrick Brian Garland as his choice to fill vacancy left by the untimely passing of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. We believe that Judge Garland is eminently qualified and has served the judiciary with honor and distinction.”

“Judge Garland is the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He has served on that court since 1997.

“As head of the NCBCP and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable, we are disappointed and had hoped that an African-American woman would be nominated. We have and will continue to advocate for the next Supreme Court vacancy to be filled by an exceptional black woman to bring about a balance that ensures the court is more representative of all Americans.

“We continue to believe it is time for African American women to be represented in all sectors of government---including the U. S. Supreme Court of the United States, which in its 227 year history has not had a Black woman nominated to serve on the highest court in the land. We support President Obama’s nomination. We strongly urge the U.S. Senate to live up to its constitutional responsibility and grant Judge Garland a fair committee hearing and an up or down vote in the full Senate.” [NCBP, 3/16/16]

Jewish Women International: “The President Has Fulfilled His Obligation And Nominated A Most Impressive Candidate To The Supreme Court. Chief Judge Merrick Garland Is An Accomplished And Highly Respected Jurist Who Is Eminently Qualified To Fill The Vacancy On Our Nation’s Highest Court.”

“Jewish Women International (JWI) commends President Obama on his nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, to the Supreme Court and urges Senate to move forward with hearings. Says Loribeth Weinstein, CEO of JWI:  

“‘The President has fulfilled his obligation and nominated a most impressive candidate to the Supreme Court. Chief Judge Merrick Garland is an accomplished and highly respected jurist who is eminently qualified to fill the vacancy on our nation’s highest court. We urge the Senate to set aside any possible obstructionist tactics and move forward with hearings. There is simply too much at stake for women and girls, and for all Americans who, in the words of Chief Judge Garland upon his nomination, 'trust[s] that justice will be done in our courts without prejudice or partisanship.’” [Jewish Women International Press Release, 3/16/16]

Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis: “The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis fully supports the democratic process that guides President Obama as he fulfills his constitutional duty.”

“The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and Executive Director and CAO, Ruby Bright made the following statement in response to President Obama’s nomination of DC federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland for Supreme Court Justice:

“‘Wednesday, President Obama announced his nomination of Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, to serve on the Supreme Court. The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis fully supports the democratic process that guides President Obama as he fulfills his constitutional duty. As an organization dedicated to improving the wellbeing of more than 17,000 economically vulnerable women and their families annually through philanthropy and grant making initiatives, leadership and collaboration, we support any action that advances the rights and wellbeing of women and children.

“‘It is imperative that we have a representative in the Supreme Court that will work to secure and expand women’s rights and economic security. We look forward to reviewing Mr. Garland’s track record and challenge him, should he receive this position, to make the economic security of women and children a top priority. We urge Congress to fill this vacancy in a timely manner through a fair confirmation process and vote.’” [Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, 3/18/16]

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota: “With a guiding belief in equal opportunity, gender and racial equity, and the democratic process, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota fully supports President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland, presently the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, to the Supreme Court of the United States.”

“As a statewide community foundation investing in innovation to drive gender equity, we are guided by a vision of a world of equal opportunity where women and girls – and all people – have the power to create and live safe, prosperous lives.

“In order to rule comprehensively on laws that directly impact the lives of women and families in America, and in particular those with the greatest disparities in outcomes, we need a fully functioning and balanced United States Supreme Court.  We are confident that the deliberation President Obama applied to his decision to nominate Chief Judge Garland was comprehensive and rigorous, including consultation with Senate leadership, legal experts and people across the political spectrum.

“As such, we support the democratic process that guides President Obama as he fulfills his constitutional duty and exercise his leadership to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

“We call upon the United States Senate to now fulfill its obligation to advance Chief Judge Garland through the process smoothly and fill the vacant Supreme Court seat through thoughtful, respectful hearings with fair, intelligent and reasonable scrutiny befitting such a momentous decision.” [Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, 3/16/16]

New York Women’s Foundation: “The New York Women’s Foundation fully supports President Obama as he carries out his constitutional responsibility by announcing his nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.”

“The New York Women’s Foundation works to improve the lives of women and families by promoting the economic security of women; their right to live safely and without violence; and their health, sexual and reproductive rights. Crucial decisions affecting the lives of women and families depend on our nation’s highest court. It is critical that the vacancy be filled—the Supreme Court must be able to fulfill its duty and our nation must move forward. We encourage the United States Senate to now do its part and fulfill their obligation to move forward with a hearing and vote.” [New York Women’s Foundation, 3/16/16]

Ms. Foundation: “We look forward to reviewing Judge Garland’s track record, and urge Congress to fill this vacancy in a timely manner through a fair confirmation process and vote. America deserves a filled and balanced Supreme Court that will focus on the issues most fundamental to women and communities of color.”

“Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger made the following statement in response to President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Merrick Garland for Supreme Court Justice:

“‘Today, President Obama announced his nomination of Merrick Garland to serve on the Supreme Court. This process presents an opportunity to create a Supreme Court that is more responsive to the needs of women – particularly in communities of color—which have too often been ignored by our country’s legislative and legal bodies. From reproductive health care to education and income inequality, we need a voice on the bench that will work to secure and expand women’s rights.

“‘We look forward to reviewing Judge Garland’s track record, and urge Congress to fill this vacancy in a timely manner through a fair confirmation process and vote. America deserves a filled and balanced Supreme Court that will focus on the issues most fundamental to women and communities of color.’” [Ms. Foundation, 3/16/16]

Jordan Brooks is the Deputy Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls.