Reps. Vander Veen, Hummel, Garfield, Robertson, Stakoe, Bradstreet, Milosch, Drolet, Farhat, Acciavatti, Pappageorge, Ehardt, Emmons, Brandenburg, Kooiman, Voorhees, Hart, Middaugh, Stahl, Bisbee, Taub, Richardville, Pastor, Wenke, DeRoche, Sheen, Howell, Steil, Palsrok, Palmer, Casperson, Caul, Amos, Hoogendyk, Hager, Ward, DeRossett, Meyer, Huizenga, Moolenaar, Caswell, Hune, Julian, LaJoy, Mortimer, Newell, Shaffer, Shulman and Tabor offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 92.

A resolution to urge Michigan's United States Senators to support and to memorialize the United States Senate to confirm the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the United States Court of Appeals.

Whereas, On May 9, 2001, President Bush nominated Miguel A. Estrada to fill a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; and

            Whereas, Mr. Estrada’s credentials go uncontested, beginning with his mastery of the English language and American culture since coming to the United States as an immigrant from Honduras, and his graduation magna cum laude from Columbia University and Harvard Law School; and

            Whereas, Mr. Estrada has received support from liberal and conservative colleagues alike who attest that he is one of the most brilliant and effective appellate lawyers in the country; and

            Whereas, Organizations that support Mr. Estrada include the League of United Latin American Citizens, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Hispanic Business Roundtable, and the Latino Coalition; and

            Whereas, Mr. Estrada would be the first Hispanic in the country to sit on the United States Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit--an important and prestigious position within the nation’s judicial system; and

            Whereas, The Senate Judiciary Committee has issued a favorable report to the United States Senate on the nomination, yet, because a minority of Senators are conducting a filibuster to prevent a Senate floor vote, more than a year and one-half has passed without a vote on the Senate floor; and

Whereas, Michigan, in contrast, has speedily confirmed the Governor’s cabinet appointments and has worked in a spirit of cooperation; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Michigan's United States Senators to support and the United States Senate to confirm the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the United States Court of Appeals; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate and to Michigan's United States Senators.