Planned Parenthood Federation of America condemns Mitch McConnell’s signal on Blue Slip Process
For Immediate Release: Oct. 13, 2017
Blue Slip process ensures coordination across party lines was another protection to keep politics out of the judicial process
WASHINGTON DC - Planned Parenthood Federation of America condemns Mitch McConnell’s decision to do away with the century-old process for advancing judicial nominees.
In modern times, no circuit or district court judicial nominee has been confirmed without two “blue slips” from both home-state senators. This process ensured coordination across party lines and between the Senate and the White House and was another protection to keep politics out of the judicial process.
Statement from Dana Singiser, Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs for Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
"We commend Leader Schumer and Senator Feinstein for rebuffing McConnell's effort to undermine a longstanding bipartisan tradition of engaging home state Senators -- regardless of their party -- in the blue slip process.
"The courts are the last - and sometimes only - line of defense against damaging and unconstitutional attacks on our basic rights - a person’s fundamental right to decide whether and when to become a parent, to vote, and to be free from discrimination based on who they love, where they come from, their race, or their religious beliefs. Planned Parenthood will continue pressing for nominees who will protect our fundamental rights -- including the right of a woman to control her body. Without the ‘blue slip,’ we’re going to have more judges who represent partisan political causes instead of bedrock American values"
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.