Roberts hearing in recess
on Sep 14, 2005 at 7:02 pm
At exactly 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee concluded the second day of questioning Chief Justice nominee John G. Roberts, Jr. The final questioning, the third round for Democratic senators, included 15 minutes by Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California and 15 minutes by Sen. Charles Schumer of New York.
The Committee will resume senatorial questioning of the nominee at 9 a.m. Thursday, when other Democrats will take a third round, and Feinstein and Schumer will have additional time for questions.
Republicans on the Committee have waived their opportunity to have a third round, so, as of Wednesday night, GOP questioning apparently has ended.
After the conclusion of senators’ questions Thursday morning, the Committee will proceed to hear 31 witnesses — some for, some against the nomination. The Committee is expected to conclude by Thursday night, with no Friday session scheduled.
It appears that the Judiciary Committee will vote on Roberts’ nomination next Thursday, Sept. 22. Chairman Arlen Specter, Republican of Pennsylvania, said GOP Senate leaders expect to begin debate on the floor on Monday, Sept. 26. “My duty is to have the matter resolved by Oct. 3,” Specter said, to enable Roberts to take up his duties at the opening of the new Supreme Court Term.
