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 News from Around the Americas | February 2005 
Bush Chides Democrats Over Judges
 BBCNews
Mr Gonzales replaces outgoing Attorney General John Ashcroft |
Washington DC - US President George W Bush has made a fresh push on behalf of his contested judicial nominees, blocked by Democrats during his first term.
He said all appointees deserved a prompt hearing and vote in the Senate and accused the Democrats of stalling.
Mr Bush made his remarks at Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' swearing-in ceremony in Washington on Monday.
Democrats countered that most of Mr Bush's nominees had been confirmed except for the "most extreme" cases.
Harry Reid, leader of the Democrats in the Senate, said: "The president is at it again with the extremist judges."
Model
Mr Bush's Republicans who widened their majority in the 100-seat Senate to 55, are still short of the 60 votes needed to prevent the Democrats blocking his appointees.
Mr Bush also praised Mr Gonzales, describing him as "a model of courage and character to his fellow citizens".
The president also called on Congress to renew key elements of the Patriot Act, introduced following the 9/11 attacks.
"Many key elements of the Patriot Act are now set to expire at the end of this year," he said.
"We must not allow the passage of time or the illusion of safety to weaken our resolve in this new war."
The act, attacked by civil liberties groups, strengthened surveillance and law-enforcement powers in terror cases. |
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