Statement of Robert Restuccia, Executive Director of Community Catalyst, on President Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court

(BOSTON) – “Today, President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court to fill a vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. The U.S. Senate should give Judge Garland its fullest consideration by conducting hearings and voting on the nomination.

“The Supreme Court of the United States is one of the pillars of our democracy. Designed to be removed from politics, the Court plays an essential role in assuring a balance of power in government, protecting the rights of the minority and interpreting the Constitution. Over the years, the Court has issued numerous decisions that affect the health of Americans and our ability to access health care. The Court is currently considering cases that could have significant implications for people’s access to high-quality, affordable health care. A divided court will only leave many of these critical cases unsettled. For these reasons and the fact that it would be unprecedented not to allow the Supreme Court confirmation process to move forward, the Senate must put aside partisan politics and fulfill its constitutional obligation and duty to the American people.

“We urge the Senate to take swift action on the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland.”  

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 About Community Catalyst

Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @HealthPolicyHub.