УNCJW firmly believes that the confirmation of Judge Pickering to sit on the 5th Circuit would be a grave disservice to those residing in states under the jurisdiction of that appeals court and to all Americans. Judge Pickering is an opponent of fundamental civil rights, including the right to privacy and reproductive freedom. In 1978, he voted in the Mississippi legislature to call a constitutional convention to outlaw abortion. As chair of the subcommittee of the 1976 Republican National Convention's Platform Committee, he supported a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade. He voted against state funding for family planning programs. And he has a troubling record on civil rights for African Americans.

УJudge Pickering was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee after his 2001 nomination by President Bush. Despite this, the President renominated him during the current session of Congress. And now the Senate majority is determined to push him through. Those who stood against this effort are to be commended. The President should re-think his strategy of nominating ultra-right candidates to the federal appeals courts and seek to build a consensus behind a moderate, mainstream judiciary that all can support. In the meantime, the Senate should continue to block confirmation of this extreme nominee."