What They’re Saying – AAPI Community

National Council Of Asian Pacific Americans National Director Christopher Kang:  “Chief Judge Garland’s Qualifications And Experience Are Unquestioned: His Record As A Judge For Nearly Two Decades Demonstrates That He Understands The Proper Role Of The Court… It Is Clear Why, Just A Few Years Ago, A Senior Republican Senator Said Chief Judge Garland Would Be A ‘Consensus Nominee’ To The Supreme Court. The Same Is True Today.”

“The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to serve as the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Chief Judge Garland’s qualifications and experience are unquestioned: his record as a judge for nearly two decades demonstrates that he understands the proper role of the court, and he also led the successful prosecutions of two major terrorism cases, ‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski and the bombers of the federal building in Oklahoma City.  It is clear why, just a few years ago, a senior Republican Senator said Chief Judge Garland would be a ‘consensus nominee’ to the Supreme Court. The same is true today.  

“NCAPA also would like to acknowledge that President Obama reportedly considered Judge Sri Srinivasan as a finalist for this Supreme Court nomination—the first time in history that an Asian American has reached the final round of consideration to serve on our nation’s highest court. This is a reflection of President Obama’s commitment to and success in furthering a judiciary that resembles the nation it serves, and in particular his tremendous strides in appointing more Asian American federal judges than all previous presidents in history combined. While we are disappointed that President Obama did not nominate an Asian American today, we stand behind his nominee and are confident that when future Supreme Court vacancies occur, Asian Americans will continue to receive this highest level of consideration and that there will soon be an Asian American Supreme Court Justice.  Today, President Obama has fulfilled his constitutional responsibility. Now, United States Senators must do their job by meeting with Chief Judge Garland, conducting a hearing, and casting their votes.’” [National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, 3/16/16]

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association: “We Urge The Senate To Hold A Fair Hearing And A Timely Vote On The President’s Nominee, Judge Garland. It Is Critical To The Stability Of Our Judicial System That The Supreme Court’s Vacant Seat Be Filled Promptly.”

“‘We urge the Senate to hold a fair hearing and a timely vote on the President’s nominee, Judge Garland. It is critical to the stability of our judicial system that the Supreme Court’s vacant seat be filled promptly,’ said Jin Y. Hwang, president of NAPABA. ‘Although we are disappointed that the President missed an opportunity to make history by nominating the first Asian Pacific American to the Supreme Court, we celebrate the fact that Judge Sri Srinivasan was interviewed and vetted for a possible nomination, which represented the first time that an Asian Pacific American has ever been interviewed and put on ‘the short list’ for the Supreme Court.’” [NAPABA Press Release, 3/16/16]

South Asian Bar Association of North America: “The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America) congratulates Judge Merrick Garland on his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Garland, currently the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, has been on the bench for over 20 years.”

“If confirmed, he will bring this experience from what is considered the second most important court in the U.S. and a reputation as a centrist to the Supreme Court.

“We now turn our attention to the confirmation process, and hope that the Senate will continue with the precedent of holding fair and timely confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees. As a bar association, SABA North America understands how important it is to have nine justices sitting on our highest court and intends to encourage the Senate to do its job and uphold their constitutionally-mandated responsibilities. A blanket denial to consider any nominee threatens the ability of a branch of our government from fulfilling its constitutional mandate and deprives citizens of the fundamental rights set forth in the very document establishing “a more perfect Union”. Refusing to consider any nominee threatens not only a fair and reasoned consideration of these crucial issues for two full terms of the Supreme Court, but the separation of powers upon which our democracy is based.

“Even as we congratulate Judge Garland, we are proud that one of our members is so highly regarded as to be considered a “likely candidate,” and know that the depth and experience of our members will only continue to grow so that we stand ready next time the Supreme Court calls.” [SABA North America, 3/16/16]

Asian Americans Advancing Justice: “It Is Now Incumbent On Us – The American People – To Urge The Senate Judiciary Committee To Hold Their Hearings And Cast Their Votes On The Nomination Of Judge Garland.”

“AAJC applauds President Barack Obama for today’s announcement of the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court. President Obama stated that his selection of a nominee would rest upon three criteria: unimpeachable legal expertise, recognition of the limits of the judiciary’s role, and an understanding that justice is not an abstract concept, but rather the manner in which the law impacts the reality of people’s lives.  Mee Moua, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, issued the following statement:  ‘Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC applauds President Obama for today announcing the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court.  It is now incumbent on us – the American people – to urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold their hearings and cast their votes on the nomination of Judge Garland.  We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to exercise its constitutional responsibilities with due diligence and act upon Judge Garland’s nomination.’” [AAJC Press Release, 3/16/16]

AAPI Victory Fund: “While We Are Disappointed That An AAPI Was Not Selected, We Are Pleased That President Obama Strongly Considered Judge Sri Srinivasan. The AAPI Community Wants A Seat At The Table In Every Venue And Truly Believes The Bench Of Qualified AAPI Candidates Deserve Consideration For The Very Next Vacancy.”

“‘For the first time in American history the President interviewed an Asian American for the U.S. Supreme Court. While we are disappointed that an AAPI was not selected, we are pleased that President Obama strongly considered Judge Sri Srinivasan. The AAPI community wants a seat at the table in every venue and truly believes the bench of qualified AAPI candidates deserve consideration for the very next vacancy.  Today, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community must come together and work to ensure the Senate holds a fair hearing and a timely vote on the President's nominee. Obstructionist Senators must be held accountable for their actions. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community needs to be more of a political force moving forward, and the AAPI Victory Fund will continue to mobilize its presidential elections outreach in 6 states -- Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia -- to empower the more than 18 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this country.’” [AAPI Victory Fund Press Release, 3/16/16]

APIAHF: “With The President’s Nomination, We Look Now To The Senate To Take Action And Allow The Supreme Court To Fulfill Its Constitutional Responsibility With A Fully Staffed Court.”

“Following the President’s announcement that Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, will be nominated to the Supreme Court, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement urging the Senate to swiftly consider the President’s nominee. 

“‘With the President’s nomination, we look now to the Senate to take action and allow the Supreme Court to fulfill its constitutional responsibility with a fully staffed court,’ said Kathy Ko Chin, APIAHF president and CEO. ‘The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in issues that impact the entire nation, including the health care and civil rights of all Americans. For example, three of the cases pending before the Court this term – Texas v. US, Obergefell v. Hodges, and Zubik v. Burwell – have the potential to impact the lives of millions. We call on the Senate to promptly consider the President’s excellent and eminently qualified nominee and move forward with the process.’” [APIAHF Press Release, 3/16/16]

National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum: “NAPAWF supports President Obama’s nomination of a highly experienced candidate to the U.S. Supreme Court: Chief Justice Merrick Garland, of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.”

“This morning, President Obama announced Judge Merrick Garland as his U.S. Supreme Court nominee to fill the vacancy left by the late Justice Scalia. National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) Executive Director Miriam Yeung issued the following statement in response:

“‘NAPAWF supports President Obama’s nomination of a highly experienced candidate to the U.S. Supreme Court: Chief Justice Merrick Garland, of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

“‘Today’s nomination comes at a critical juncture for the country and the AAPI community, as the Court considers decisions on reproductive rights, affirmative action, workers’ rights and the president’s immigration executive action. It is critical that we have a full bench to review the important issues before the court.

“‘NAPAWF calls on the Senate to uphold their constitutional duty to proceed with the confirmation process without delay.’” [NAPAWF, 3/16/16]

National Coalition of Asian Pacific American Community Development: “The National Coalition of Asian Pacific American Community Development supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland and urges the Senate to consider the President’s nominee by promptly moving forward with the process.”

“Following President Obama’s announcement that Chief Judge Merrick Garland is his nomination to the Supreme Court, National Coalition of Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) issued the following statement in support:

“‘The National Coalition of Asian Pacific American Community Development supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland and urges the Senate to consider the President’s nominee by promptly moving forward with the process. In his nomination, President Obama has recognized the importance of filling the vacant seat and having a fully-staffed Supreme Court, an institution central to informing issues that impact our communities. Chief Judge Merrick Garland is an extremely qualified candidate with a profound understanding of his position as judge and the role of the court, as demonstrated in his nearly two decades of experience on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The President has fulfilled his constitutional duty- now it is time for the Senate to do so. National CAPACD calls on the Senate to recognize its responsibility to the Constitution and historical precedent by taking fair and timely action in considering Chief Judge Garland.’” [NCAPACD, 3/16/16]

National Korean American Service and Education Consortium: “It is irresponsible for the Senate to delay the process and maintain the Supreme Court vacancy.”

“The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (KRCC), and Korean Resource Center (KRC) join the voices of Americans across the country to urge the U.S. Senate to fill the Supreme Court Justice vacancy. Hardworking Americans, students, families, and community members await decisions on crucial issues including affirmative action, reproductive rights, labor rights, and immigration. It is critical that review process and confirmation hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee be commenced as soon as possible. 

“NAKASEC Executive Director Dae Joong Yoon, KRC Board Chair Kil Joo Lee, KRCC Executive Director Inhe Choi issued the following statement:

“‘The Supreme Court makes very important decisions that affect all American people. With an empty seat, the Supreme Court is like a driving a car without a wheel. There are 5.5 million community members eligible for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+). They are waiting for the Supreme Court decision on the implementation of those programs that would provide temporary relief from deportation and work authorization. It is irresponsible for the Senate to delay the process and maintain the Supreme Court vacancy. Supreme Court Justice nomination has been made.  We now urge the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty to the American public by moving forward with the confirmation process.’” [NAKASEC, 3/17/16]

Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund: “The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) fully supports President Obama in nominating The Honorable Merrick Garland of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court.”

“Chief Judge Garland is remarkably qualified to serve as the next Supreme Court Justice. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, he served in the private sector, in government, in academia, and in the judiciary. While SALDEF called on President Obama to nominate the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice, we realize the profound statement Sri Srinivasan made as the first Asian American in history to make it to a President’s “short list.” SALDEF wholeheartedly supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Garland, we are encouraged by the consideration of Judge Srinivasan, and we eagerly await the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice.

“SALDEF implores the United States Senate to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and swiftly hold hearings and confirm Merrick Garland as the next Supreme Court Justice. While Senate Republicans have a history of judicial obstruction—there are currently 77 vacancies for federal judgeships compared to 43 when the Republicans regained control of the Senate—it is out of line for Republicans to drag the Supreme Court into partisan politics.

“The Supreme Court is too critical to allow a long-term vacancy. The court has monumental cases on abortion, immigration, affirmative action, and voting rights this term—all issues that have significant consequences for Sikh Americans, Asian Americans, and the country as a whole. More than 60% of the nation believes that the Senate “should hold hearings” on the Supreme Court nominee—with a majority of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans agreeing on the issue.

“Without knowing the nominee, Senate Republicans took an obstructionist stance on the Supreme Court confirmation process. Merrick Garland not only deserves a Senate hearing, but he also deserves to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. SALDEF joins many national Asian American organizations in applauding President Obama for nominating Chief Judge Garland, and in calling for the Senate to fulfill their constitutional duty and swiftly hold hearings and confirm him as the next Supreme Court Justice.” [SALDEF, 3/16/16]