Reagan Urges Fast Senate Action on Bork

President Reagan called on the Senate today to confirm Robert Bork to the Supreme Court before its fall term begins in October, saying “no man in America and few in our history” have been as qualified to serve on the high court.

In remarks to the National Law Enforcement Council, Reagan likened Bork’s intellect to that of justices Oliver Wendell Holmes, Louis D. Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter and Potter Stewart.

“If I could appoint a whole Supreme Court of Felix Frankfurters, I would,” he said. “And I’ve taken a step with Robert Bork.”

It was the most impassioned appeal Reagan has yet made on behalf of his selection to succeed Associate Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr., who retired last month because of age and health reasons.

Bork “deserves to be considered promptly,” Reagan said.

“Justice Powell has noted that when the court is below full strength, it has an adverse effect on the court’s business. I hope the Senate will take note of this concern,” he said. “One way or another, it should act on Judge Bork’s nomination before the court goes into session in October.”