FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org

Washington, DC (Wednesday, March 16, 2016)– Today, President Obama nominated DC Circuit Chief Judge Merrick B. Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy.

The following is a statement from Former Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark:
“President Obama has fulfilled his constitutional obligation to nominate a Supreme Court justice to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. Judge Garland has nearly two decades of distinguished service on our second most important court, the D.C. Circuit. He is entitled to fair consideration, including a Senate Committee hearing and a full Senate vote on his nomination.”

“A Committee hearing and floor debate will allow all Senators to exercise their Constitutional advice and consent duty on this nomination. A fair, open process will also provide the American people with an opportunity to observe and participate in a decision of this magnitude through their elected Senators.”

“Supreme Court decisions have had and will have serious implications for the future of our nation’s lands, air, water and wildlife. The Senate must do its job by holding a hearing and a vote on this nomination to fill an important vacancy.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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