Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after President Obama announced his nominee for the Supreme Court:

“The American people aren’t going to settle for business as usual in 2016,” said McMorris Rodgers. “They’re rightly frustrated by the fear of losing their voice, their power, in our system of government. As the body closest to the people, our representatives in the U.S. House and Senate were elected to serve as their voice. While the President has the right to nominate a candidate for the Supreme Court, the Senate has the equally important right to confirm or not confirm the nominee.

“Any Supreme Court confirmation needs to be a thoughtful process, with full respect for the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution. That’s why I stand by the Senate in their decision on how to move forward with the confirmation process. It’s the people’s Supreme Court, and we should let them decide its direction.”