September 29, 2005—Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge John G. Roberts as the United States Supreme Court Chief Justice.  With a 78 – 22 vote, Chief Justice Roberts will now preside over the Supreme Court for the new session beginning October 3, 2005.  Six House Republican members had this to say:

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“I believe the confirmation of Judge John G. Roberts as Chief Justice of the United States will go down in history as one of the greatest contributions the Bush Administration has made to this republic and future generations.  I am convinced he will be a valiant defender of the Constitution and faithfully impart its plain meaning and original intent in his decisions.  Today is a great day for America.”

-Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-2)

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“The Senate’s wise vote today will put a man of principle and legal brilliance at the helm of the nation’s most important court,” said Pryce.  “I know that John Roberts will be a strong and honorable justice, and will interpret the Constitution with clarity and wisdom.”

-Deborah Pryce, Chairman House Republican Conference (OH-15)

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“I am thrilled the Senate agreed to put our most high court in the hands of a brilliant man with principles and the utmost respect for our Constitution.  Rest assured, with Judge John Roberts as the Chief Justice we will have laws interpreted at the bench – not made.”

-Rep. John Carter (TX-31)

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“It is critical to have intelligent, conservative judges serving on the bench. We need judges in this country who will not make new laws, but will interpret the laws made by Congress. Judge Roberts will be a Chief Justice who will interpret the laws, not make them.”

-Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-1)

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“Judge Roberts confirmed my initial beliefs that he would uphold the true intent of our Founding Fathers by strictly construing our Constitution,” said King. “Over and over in his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, he verified that he is a strict constructionist and that he believes judicial activism is dangerous to our system of government.  He summed it up in one line, the duty of all of us in the Federal Government, when he stated: “My obligation is to the Constitution. That's the oath.’”

-Rep. Steve King (IA-5)

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“Judge Roberts is a brilliant man with astounding credentials.  In fact, when he was appointed to his current judicial seat the Senate confirmed him easily.  Ted Kennedy was one of three not supporting him, and if you ask me, that means he is the right kind of judge.  The role of a judge should be to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench, and Judge Roberts understands that.”

-Rep. Bill Shuster (PA-9)

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Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.