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WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee expressed his profound objection to the nomination of Goodwin Liu as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Lee articulated two primary reasons for opposing the nomination.

“First, I am truly dismayed by the lack of judgment displayed in Professor Liu’s 2006 testimony regarding the confirmation of Samuel Alito as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,” said Lee, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Assistant U.S. Attorney. 

During the confirmation hearing of Justice Alito, Liu made controversial and inflammatory remarks misrepresenting Justice Alito’s judicial record.

“His comments about Justice Alito were offensive not simply because they were unhelpful in his confirmation process, but because they were a misleading and unwarranted personal attack on a dedicated public servant.”

“Professor Liu’s treatment of Justice Alito, and his last minute and incomplete handling of the concerns raised by his remarks, lead me to believe that he lacks the judgment and discretion to be confirmed to a life-tenured position in the judiciary.”

Senator Lee also explained that “the judicial philosophy espoused by Professor Liu is fundamentally inconsistent with the judicial mandate to be a neutral arbiter of the Constitution and to uphold the rule of law.”

“Throughout the course of numerous speeches, articles, and books, Professor Liu has championed a philosophy that in my judgment is incompatible with faithfully discharging the duties of an appellate court judge in our constitutional republic,” he added.

Lee concluded: “Professor Liu’s appalling treatment of Justice Alito leaves grave doubt in my mind as to whether he possesses the requisite judgment to serve as a life-tenured judge.  And I have come to the conclusion that Professor Liu’s extreme judicial philosophy is simply incompatible with the proper role of a judge in our constitutional republic.  For these reasons, as well as those articulated by many of my colleagues, I am compelled to oppose this nomination.”

Click Here for Senator Lee's Full Remarks

Today’s Agenda

This morning, Senator Lee will meet with a group of policy leaders at an event hosted by Citizens Against Government Waste to talk about the nation’s fiscal crisis.  He has a meeting with the Judiciary Committee to discuss ways to make the immigration court system more efficient, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee will discuss pending legislation before the Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee.   The Senator has media interviews with the Salt Lake Tribune, as well as Mid Utah Radio.  Finally, he will be hosting a Green Jell-O Social event for Utah constituents in Washington, D.C.

From the Senator’s Desk

“It has been 749 days, more than two years, since the Senate passed a budget resolution. The majority is now six weeks late in producing a budget for this year, as required by law.  Our budget is the roadmap that tells us where we’re going in our fiscal future.  It is a critical first step toward fixing the nation’s most pressing economic problems.

“Republicans in Congress have made public a number of proposals that would balance the budget, lower spending, eliminate our annual deficit, reform entitlements, simplify the tax code, and reduce the size of government.  Our side has the bulk of ideas being debated around the country, while the Democrats in Congress largely remain silent, terrified of what they perceive as the political cost of action.

“We are ready for a robust debate on the future of our country, but, as the majority, Senate Democrats must show some leadership first.  If they are unwilling to take up the proposals put forth by Republicans, then we expect the Democrats to put forward a budget of their own.”  - Mike Lee

#2ndOpinion

Yesterday, a cloture motion failed on legislation that would have repealed tax incentives averaging for America's top 5 oil and gas producers.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “We have to do something about the exorbitant gas prices, and the best way to start with that is to do something about the five big oil companies getting subsidies they don't need.”

The truth is, according to the Joint Economic Committee in Congress, eliminating the incentives “will not affect the output or price of crude oil or natural gas.” 

@SenMikeLee: Tax hikes on America’s energy companies will not lower gas prices #2ndOpinion

Around the Water Cooler

DNews Ed: “Let the process to allow more drilling begin, and let it begin soon.”

SLTrib: Experts: Utah’s oil shale is about to start churning out fuel

Poll: “69 percent of Americans oppose raising the debt limit.”

A Look Ahead

On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Water and Power, for which Senator Lee is the Ranking Member, will review pending legislation.  Also, the Foreign Relations Committee will discuss the situation in Libya as the U.S. closes in on its 60^th day of involvement in the conflict.

The office of Senator Mike Lee is now accepting applications from Utah students seeking anomination to the United States Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, or the Military Academy at West Point for the class entering in July of 2012.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to nominate Utah students for consideration to these prestigious Academies,” said Senator Lee. “I applaud those men and women who aspire to dedicate their lives to serving our country, and am confident that Utah is home to some of the best and brightest in our nation that will fillthese institutions proudly.”

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements set by law and each respective academy and be nominated from an authorized person, including a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives.

Students interested a nomination should contact Senator Lee’s Salt Lake City office in the spring of their junior year of high school to begin the application process.  Interviews will be held in November in my Salt Lake City office.

For more information on the application process, please visit Senator Lee’s website here.