William H. Frist: “in the last few minutes here, I do want to look back very briefly and look ahead and foreshadow some of the issues we…”

“in the last few minutes here, I do want to look back very briefly and look ahead and foreshadow some of the issues we will be looking at. Before we leave for this August recess, I would like to look at and review very quickly some of the big, important issues we will be tackling this fall. First and foremost, we will focus on one of the most significant and historic constitutional responsibilities, and that is, as we all know, to provide advice and consent on the President's Supreme Court nomination. Our goal, as spelled out a little bit earlier is to have a fair debate and a dignified debate on Judge Roberts, and to confirm him before the Supreme Court begins its new term on October 3. We can do that. We will do that. I have worked very closely with the Democratic leader and with the President and with Senators Specter and Leahy to lay out a hearing and floor schedule to move the process forward in September. To summarize, because we were on the floor a couple of hours ago talking about that in a colloquy, Judge Roberts' hearing will begin in the Judiciary Committee on September 6 and Chairman Specter intends to hold a committee vote on Judge Roberts Thursday, September 15. We will begin the Senate floor debate no later than the week of Monday, September 26. I look forward to an up-or-down confirmation vote no later than Thursday, September 29. As we approach this process, let me say a couple of words about Judge Roberts.…”