Murray Delivers 40,000 Questions from the American People to Senate Judiciary Committee for Roberts Supreme Court Hearing

(WASHINGTON, D.C). – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined six of her Democratic women colleagues today to deliver more than 40,000 questions to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The questions were submitted by people from all regions and all walks of life through the “Ask Roberts” Web site, which gives Americans an opportunity to submit questions they would like to be asked of Judge John Roberts during his confirmation hearings for the U.S. Supreme Court.

“The American people know how much is at stake with this Supreme Court nomination,” Murray said. The purpose of our ‘Ask Roberts’ site is to give people a chance to have their voices heard in this crucial process, and I’m thrilled at the response we’ve received. Now, I hope members of the Judiciary Committee call on Judge Roberts to respond to the concerns in these questions.”

The Senators created the site in July 2005 to engage Americans in the Supreme Court confirmation process of Judge Roberts.

Through http://democrats.senate.gov/AskRoberts, Americans submitted a variety of questions. Inquiries ranged from privacy, reproductive choice, civil rights (including affirmative action, the rights of the disabled, women and gay and lesbian Americans) to the environment and religious liberties. Americans also wanted to know Judge Roberts’ judicial philosophy, his background and qualifications for the job of Associate Justice.

Additional questions focused on a number of important topics that routinely come before the Supreme Court, including workers’ rights, property rights, corporate power and the economy. They asked questions about the war in Iraq, war on terror and the ability of the United States government to detain individuals. They wanted to know about health care, stem cell research, education, and immigration.

“Judge Roberts is being considered for a lifetime appointment, and the American people deserve to know where he stands on a number of issues that affect our nation’s future,” Murray said. “I look forward to the confirmation hearings.”

Senator Murray is joined in this project by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY).