"The framers of the Constitution, in their wisdom, involved both the US Senate and the President in the process of filling judicial nominations. We believe that this role, carved out for the Senate to "advise and consent" on nominations, goes a long way towards ensuring a philosophical balance on the high courts of our nation. Unfortunately, the current list of nominees to the federal appellate court does not reflect this balance but rather tips the courts towards an ultra conservative judicial ideology.

"In addition, the attempt by the Senate Judiciary Committee to rush through nominees to important lifetime appointments to the federal bench is extremely troubling. For example, a vote is scheduled on the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the DC Circuit Court even though documents critical to the full and responsible scrutiny of his nomination have been denied to Senators on the Judiciary Committee. Circuit Court nominees are being grouped together in hearings, allowing insufficient time for thoughtful questioning and examination of their judicial records and opinions.

"The Circuit Courts are the guardians of our constitutional rights, including the right to reproductive choice. Decisions made by these courts will impact generations. The National Council of Jewish Women, through BenchMark: NCJW's Campaign to Save Roe, is educating and mobilizing our 90,000 supporters and others to urge confirmation of only those nominees with a proven commitment to fundamental rights, including reproductive rights.

"We urge the Senate to stand fast in insisting on their constitutional role to "advise and consent" and to refuse to act on any nomination that has not received full and complete scrutiny."