With the exception of the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee and a few other senators, neither Republicans nor Democrats were willing to address Alitos record of hostility to civil rights. Particularly troubling are the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, and others who profess a commitment to principles respecting civil rights, who were unwilling even to question, much less challenge Alitos views.
The American people deserve much better. Today our elected leaders abandoned their obligation to protect those most reliant on an independent judiciary. This is a bitter day that the civil rights community will long remember. We have no doubt that Alitos confirmation will take a heavy toll on our nations hard-won civil rights gains.
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