ACTION ALERT

Urge the Judiciary Committee to question Alito's stance on the Establishment Clause

On January 31 the Senate confirmed the nomination of Alito in a 58-42 vote. Go here to find out how your Senator voted.

Jan. 9, 2006 - The Senate Judiciary started hearings today regarding the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Alito's writings and history on the U.S. Court of Appeals demonstrate that his judicial philosophy differs dramatically from Court principles that have guided Establishment Clause precedent for the past 60 years.

When applying for President Reagan's deputy attorney general position, Alito wrote his "deep interest in constitutional law [was] motivated in large part by disagreement with Warren Court decisions, particularly in areas [such as] the Establishment Clause ..."

Alito's opinions in several cases demonstrate his view that religious expression trumps the rights of students to avoid government endorsed prayer, proselytizing, and other religious expressions in our public schools. He has also indicated his willingness to limit a taxpayer's right to challenge government actions under the Establishment Clause, which has been settled law since Flast v. Cohen (1968).

If Alito continues to hold these views toward the Establishment Clause as a U.S. Supreme Court justice, Court precedent upholding the separation of church and state is in danger. It is the duty of the Judiciary Committee to question Alito regarding these writings and rulings to determine his current judicial philosophy toward the Establishment Clause.

Take a Stand: Samuel Alito's confirmation hearings begin today and are expected to last all week. If your Senator sits on the Judiciary Committee (see below) urge them to fully question Alito about his judicial philosophy regarding the Establishment Clause.

The Judiciary Committee members are: Chair, Arlen Specter (R-PA); Ranking Member, Patrick Leahy (D-VT); Joseph Biden (D-DE); Sam Brownback (R-KS); Tom Coburn (R-OK); John Cornyn (R-TX); Mike DeWine (R-OH); Richard Durbin (D-IL); Russ Feingold (D-WI); Dianne Feinstein (D-CA); Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Charles Grassley (R-IA); Orrin Hatch (R-UT); Edward Kennedy (D-MA); Herbert Kohl (D-WI); Jon Kyl (R-AZ); Jeff Sessions (R-AL); and, Charles Schumer (D-NY).

You can contact your Senators through their websites or through the Legislator/Media Lookup by Zip Code.