BY REP. PHIL ROE
The Constitution of the United States is one of our nation’s most sacred documents, and as a member of Congress, I took an oath to support and defend it. The president and justices of the U.S. Supreme Court also must take this most solemn vow. Under the Constitution, Congress makes law; the Executive Branch enforces and implements law; and the Supreme Court interprets law. Each serves as a check and a balance against the others. As we’ve seen time and again, the Supreme Court — the highest court in the land — regularly issues rulings that can affect the size and scope of government. Having justices on the court who understand the potential for government to become overly burdensome is critical. That’s why President Trump’s most recent nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court bench is such a pivotal moment in our nation.
Judge Kavanaugh’s credentials make the best case for the Senate to quickly approve his nomination. A graduate of Yale Law School, and a former law clerk for the retiring Justice Kennedy, he currently serves on the “Second Highest Court in the Land,” the D.C. Circuit. He is known for accurately interpreting the law; a long career of public service; and many influential opinions, particularly about stopping the expansion of Washington bureaucracy. He is principled and a devoted family man, and based on his record and biography, it is difficult to see why Judge Kavanaugh would not merit bipartisan support.
Some of the court’s most recent rulings underscore the importance of this nomination. Just last month, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) vs. Becerra, a 5-4 decision in favor of NIFLA. This decision overturned a California law that forced pro-life pregnancy centers to provide free advertising on abortion options. The court ruled that this California law violated the First Amendment, because the government was forcing these centers to advocate for a service or message that violates their beliefs. This is one example out of many that highlight the importance of ensuring our Supreme Court justices uphold the rule of law, are transparent and consistently fight for our constitutional liberties. Judge Kavanaugh appears from his reputable record to be a staunch defender of our First Amendment rights.
Those who hold a lifetime position on the highest court in the land should be properly vetted as we consider the weight their decisions have on our Constitutional freedoms, so I think it’s important that the Senate carefully review his record and seek to determine his judicial philosophies. From first appearances, however, I believe President Trump made a great choice in Judge Kavanaugh. I know the people of the First District want a better America for our children and grandchildren, and want to support and defend the Constitution. I am hopeful Judge Kavanaugh will stand up for those goals once he is confirmed.
Feel free to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you or your family.