Senate schedule for Roberts
on Sep 6, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Leaders of the Senate and of its Judiciary Committee have outlined their plans for considering the nomination of Judge John G. Roberts, Jr., to be Chief Justice. Not all of the dates are firm at this point. Senate leaders expect final Senate action in time for Roberts to join the Court by formal opening day of the new Term, Monday, Oct. 3. The schedule is subject to possible alteration, depending upon how Senate Democrats react.
One certain consequence of the schedule as it currently exists is that Roberts would not be on the Court in time for its first Conference, to consider new cases, on Monday, Sept. 26.
Today or tomorrow: President’s formal nomination of Roberts sent to the Senate
Monday, Sept. 12 — Committee hearings open, with opening statements by members and by Judge Roberts
Tuesday, Sept. 13 — Questioning of Roberts begins
Thursday or Friday, Sept. 15 or 16 — Committee hearings expected to conclude
Thursday, Sept. 22 — Target date for vote in Judiciary Committee
Monday, Sept. 26 — Target date for opening of floor debate on the nomination
Thursday or Friday, Sept. 29 or 30 — Target dates for final Senate vote on confirmation.
If approved by the Senate, Roberts could join the Court immediately, after taking two oaths.
