Dianne Feinstein to Question Roberts on Abortion [View All]

[kerrygoddess]

I know posting this will start a DiFi flamefest... sadly. She's in our side on this, I hope some will support her efforts...

Dianne Feinstein to Question Roberts on Abortion
August 22nd, 2005

Dianne Feinstein is the only woman on the 17-member Judiciary committee. This position is not one she is taking lightly in terms of the Roberts nomination. With questions abounding about his stance on abortion, Feinstein, who is a staunch advocate of women’s rights said today that “she will scrutinize his views on abortion and congressional authority to set social policy.”

She called the impending debate over Roberts’ nomination a “big, big deal.”

“I don’t think in the last couple of decades there has been a Supreme Court appointment that could more tip the balance of the court,” Feinstein said in a speech to several hundred Silicon Valley business executives. “That’s how mega this vote is.”

Feinstein said she has a “special role and a special obligation” in grilling Roberts - particularly on his views about the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. “I happen to feel that it would be very difficult for me to vote yes on a nominee I thought would overturn Roe vs. Wade,” she said.

In her remarks Monday, Feinstein also said the Supreme Court under Chief Justice William Rehnquist had restricted congressional authority to pass legislation.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=311#more-311