April 8, 2005

Reid Welcomes Bush Support of Checks and Balances, Urges President to Denounce Nuclear Option and Stand Up for Constitution

Washington, DC -- Democratic Leader Harry Reid today released the following statement, welcoming remarks President Bush made today in support of an independent judiciary and checks and balances.

“In light of the recent statements by Republicans threatening judges and the independence of our courts, I welcome the President's statement today in support of checks and balances to ensure an independent judiciary.

“As always, actions speak louder than words.

“The President should take the next step and ask his Republican allies to remove the nuclear cloud hanging over the Senate. The threat to change Senate rules is a raw abuse of power and will destroy the very checks and balances our founding fathers put in place to prevent absolute power by any one branch of government.

“I hope President Bush will join us in standing up for our Constitution and the rights protected by it.”

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TRANSCRIPT: Q: Can I ask you about Tom Delay, the statement he made in the wake of the Shiva [sic] case, that judges were out of control and should be held accountable. What did you think about those?

THE PRESIDENT: I believe in an independent judiciary. I believe in proper checks and balances. And we'll continue to put judges on the bench who strictly and faithfully interpret the Constitution.

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