Contact: Congressman J. Randy Forbes Office, 202-225-6365

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Congressman J. Randy Forbes announced that he has introduced a resolution (H.Res.615), urging the Senate to only consider a nominee to the Supreme Court with a proven record of adhering to the restraints placed on the federal judiciary by the Constitution, contending that the vacancy left on the Court should be filled with an individual who will uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States free from political bias or ideology. The resolution also expresses that the House of Representatives supports the Senate in its Constitutional duty to vet and approve any nominee to the Supreme Court put forward by the President.

"The Senate shares an equal Constitutional duty with the President in reviewing and approving nominees to the Supreme Court of the United States," said Forbes. "Justice Scalia's guiding principle in making any judicial decision was the Constitution. Period. I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to approve only a nominee who embodies the same courage and determination in adhering to the Constitution that defined Justice Scalia's legacy. At a time when many feel as if their country is slipping through their fingers, it is critical that the American people have the confidence that our Supreme Court Justices are bound not by politics or the agenda of an Administration, but by the Supreme Law of the Land."

See the full text of the resolution below:

H.Res. 615
Expressing support for the Senate regarding the importance of selecting a Supreme Court Justice, and urging the Senate to only consider a nominee who will uphold the integrity of the Constitution in judicial decisions.

Whereas the sudden and tragic death of Justice Antonin Scalia on February 13, 2016, has left a vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States;

Whereas the Supreme Court is vested by Article III of the United States Constitution with the judicial power of the United States, extending to all cases arising under the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and Treaties;

Whereas the appointment of Justices to the Supreme Court under Article II, Section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution, is a Constitutional duty dually shared by the President and by the United States Senate;

Whereas though it is the President’s duty under the Constitution to nominate appointees to the Supreme Court, the President is not entitled to deference on the confirmation of those nominees;

Whereas the Senate shares with the President an equal duty in reviewing and approving nominees to the federal judiciary who will uphold the integrity and structure of the Constitution and the laws of the United States with consistency and integrity; and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance that the vacancy that is left by Justice Scalia be filled with an individual who will uphold the Constitution, free from political bias or ideology: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

1. supports the Senate in its Constitutional duty to vet and approve any nominee to the Supreme Court put forward by the President; and

2. urges that the Senate only consider a nominee who has demonstrated a faithful adherence to the limits placed on judicial power by the Constitution.