Heinrich Meets With U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland, Urges Republicans to Do Their Job

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich meets with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Merrick Garland in the senator’s Washington, D.C. office, May 19, 2016. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) met with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

"Judge Garland and I had an extensive conversation, which shed light on his distinguished record and thoughtful judicial philosophy.  I will continue to thoroughly consider his nomination for our highest court," said Sen. Heinrich. "The political games surrounding the Supreme Court nomination process have been extremely disappointing. There is no reason beyond partisan politics to deprive the American people of a fully-staffed Supreme Court. The Senate Republicans' refusal to hold hearings and a vote on Judge Garland's nomination is irresponsible and contrary to the oaths we all swore. It is long past time for every member of the Senate to do their job."

It's been more than 60 days since Garland was nominated by the president to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat following the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. Yet Senate Republican leaders refuse to hold hearings or vote on the nominee.

Senator Heinrich has consistently pressed Senate Republicans to do their job and meet their constitutional duties. (VIDEO: April 26, 2016 / February 25, 2016)

Earlier this month, Garland officially submitted his completed questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is available here. A summary from the White House is available here.