Racism Is Seen in Handling of Judicial Choices
The Republican-controlled Senate’s record of holding up President Clinton’s minority and female judicial appointments demonstrates racist and sexist tendencies in that body, the Congressional Black Caucus charged Wednesday.
As of November, the Senate had confirmed 42% of Clinton’s white nominees but less than 18% of his black nominees, the caucus said. Also, during last year’s congressional session, senators considering black nominees took two months longer than they did considering white nominees, and 65 days longer considering women than they did men, the caucus said.
“I’m saddened to make these accusations, but I will make them. The United States Senate has acted racistly and with sexism,” said Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas).
The caucus wants the Senate Judiciary Committee to act on four federal appellate nominations--James Wynn Jr. of North Carolina, Kathleen McRee of Michigan, Johnnie Rawlinson of Nevada and Roger Gregory of Virginia--before the end of the session. They also want three district judges approved: Legrome Davis of Pennsylvania, Rhonda Fields of Washington, D.C., and Ken Simon of Alabama.
Under Senate rules, a single member can block a judicial nominee.
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