Pete Sessions: “The Court of Appeals of the United States are important judicial offices. We need good people for those offices. There…”

“The Court of Appeals of the United States are important judicial offices. We need good people for those offices. There is no doubt in my mind that Miguel Estrada is one of the finest nominees we have seen in years. He has an impeccable record, with extreme capability, and wonderful integrity. He had a great demeanor in the committee when he testified. So I am very impressed with him. It is very disturbing to me that we would have a blockage, an obstruction being carried on here by the members of the Democratic Party. They stalled him in committee. They failed to give him and several other superb President Bush nominees to the court of appeals a hearing at all--over 600 days. It would have been 2 years in May since they were nominated, and there was not a hearing even held. So when the majority switched, Senator Hatch had hearings on Mr. Estrada. I thought he testified just superbly, with such a winning manner. He is a low-key person, but he has a brilliant mind. He analyzed the questions carefully, and gave responsible answers time and again in a way that few could disagree with, in my view.”