"A little over a month ago the late jurist Antonin Scalia passed away, which created a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Yesterday, President Obama fulfilled his constitutional duty and nominated Chief Judge Merrick Garland who currently serves as the top judge on the Washington, D.C. circuit to fill that vacancy.

"There is broad consensus that Chief Judge Garland has impeccable credentials. In addition to being the top judge on the DC circuit court, sometimes seen as the second most important court in the nation, Chief Judge Garland graduated summa cum laude from Harvard Law School, began his career clerking for Supreme Court Judge William J. Brennan, has worked as a litigator in a prestigious law firm, and has held various senior roles in the Department of Criminal Justice. Chief Judge Garland, is also known for having a straightforward approach to the law; as someone who reviews the facts in front of him, and who follows the Constitution.

"There is no logical reason to deny Chief Judge Garland the opportunity to go through the confirmation process. I join the President in urging Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty and grant Judge Garland a fair hearing, and an up-or-down-vote."