THE ROLE OF THE SENATE AND THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

We believe that the job of the Senate Judiciary Committee and each of our Senators—from both parties—is to work hard for their constituents, and be thoughtful and deliberate in their questioning. This is a constitutional duty to advise and consent on lifetime appointments to the judiciary and they must not be merely a "rubber stamp" for the President. Without the White House's complete and timely release of all relevant documents, and the appropriate time to consider them, the Senate cannot fulfill its constitutional duty to conduct a thorough review of the nomination.

This committee is made up of the eighteen senators (10 Republican, 8 Democrat) who question the Supreme Court nominee during a series of hearings. During the hearings there are opening statements, a couple of days of questioning the nominee, and a day for witnesses. Then the committee votes on the nomination and submits it to the whole Senate for a final vote.

THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

REPUBLICANS Arlen Specter, R-PA Orrin Hatch R-Utah  Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa Jon Kyl, R-AZ Mike Dewine, R-Ohio Jeff Sessions, R-AL Lindsey Graham, R-SC John Cornyn, R-TX Sam, Brownback, R-KS Tom Coburn, R-OK

DEMOCRATS Patrick Leahy, D-VT Edward M. Kennedy, D-MA Joseph R. Biden, D-DE Herb Kohl, D-WI Dianne Feinstein, D-CA Russ Feingold, D-WI Charles Schumer, D-NY Dick Durbin, D-IL

Visit the U.S. Senate website for information on each Senator.

Read the Alliance for Justice's opinions on how the Senate's role is of fundamental importance in this process.

And a poll that reveals what Americans want in a justice: http://supremecourtwatch.org/ppt/SCOTUSpoll.ppt