Most Recent Letters from Senator Durbin
Since Senator Barack Obama has not replied to my letters on either of these issues, I can only think that he has just been way too busy with his duties and responsibilities in Washington to care what his constituents opinions or concerns are. If the fire is too hot for you, Senator O., perhaps you should get out of the kitchen or wherever it is that you are hiding these days.
Although I seldom agree with Durbin responses, at least he has the courtesy to reply. Barack Obama has been in office for several months now and still has not responded even once to the more than 30 letters I have written him.
August 31, 2005
Mrs. Jean Heimann
(Address)
Dear Mrs. Jean Heimann:
Thank you for your message regarding the nomination of John Roberts to the United States Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is our nation's ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution. Its decisions are made by nine justices appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is an infrequent and momentous event. Over the course of its history, the Senate has confirmed 120 of the 154 Supreme Court nominations it has received, and 11 years have passed since the last nomination and confirmation.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I carefully review the merits of the judicial nominees presented to us. During this process, I evaluate the nominee's past record, professional competence, integrity, temperament, and judicial philosophy; his or her commitment to upholding the rights and protections established by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and subsequent laws; and the background information and testimony collected in the course of the candidate's confirmation hearings.
As the Senate conducts hearings regarding Judge Roberts' nomination, he carries the burden of demonstrating that he deserves a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Important questions will be raised about his writings while working for the government and the light they shed on his commitment to constitutional principles such as equal rights, privacy, and the appropriate use of Executive power by the President.
It is essential that Judge Roberts clearly and candidly discuss his views on these critical matters, to ensure that they reflect the values embodied in our Constitution. If he is confirmed, Judge Roberts will be making crucial decisions regarding civil rights, workers' rights, women's rights, the environment, and many issues that haven't yet even reached the courts. It is important to ensure that the next member of the Supreme Court will protect our freedoms, preserve our privacy rights, pursue justice, and be fair,open-minded, and independent.
I hope the confirmation process will show clearly whether Judge Roberts is such a person. Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
August 31, 2005
Mrs. Jean Heimann
(Address)
Mrs. Jean Heimann:
Thank you for your message regarding the taking of private property through the use of eminent domain. I appreciate hearing from you.
I understand your concerns regarding the need to protect property rights.
On June 23, 2005, the Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision in Kelo v.City of New London. The Court held that the city's condemnation of private property, to implement a redevelopment plan aimed at invigorating a depressed economy, was a "public use" satisfying constitutional requirements - even though the property might be turned over to private developers. The opinion is based on a century of Supreme Court decisions holding that "public use" must be read broadly to mean "for a public purpose.
"The New London decision attempted to strike a balance between property rights and the economic development goals of local governments. The true effect of the case will not be known until the lower courts have time to interpret and apply it.
However, several options have been raised to address the decision through Congressional action. Legislation has been introduced that would prohibit the use of federal funds for state and local projects that impose eminent domain for the purpose of economic development. Another proposal would amend the Constitution to prohibit condemnation for the purpose of economic development. I will keep your thoughts in mind as this matter is considered further by Congress.
Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
Since Senator Barack Obama has not replied to my letters on either of these issues, I can only think that he has just been way too busy with his duties and responsibilities in Washington to care what his constituents opinions or concerns are. If the fire is too hot for you, Senator O., perhaps you should get out of the kitchen or wherever it is that you are hiding these days.
Although I seldom agree with Durbin responses, at least he has the courtesy to reply. Barack Obama has been in office for several months now and still has not responded even once to the more than 30 letters I have written him.
August 31, 2005
Mrs. Jean Heimann
(Address)
Dear Mrs. Jean Heimann:
Thank you for your message regarding the nomination of John Roberts to the United States Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is our nation's ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution. Its decisions are made by nine justices appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is an infrequent and momentous event. Over the course of its history, the Senate has confirmed 120 of the 154 Supreme Court nominations it has received, and 11 years have passed since the last nomination and confirmation.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I carefully review the merits of the judicial nominees presented to us. During this process, I evaluate the nominee's past record, professional competence, integrity, temperament, and judicial philosophy; his or her commitment to upholding the rights and protections established by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and subsequent laws; and the background information and testimony collected in the course of the candidate's confirmation hearings.
As the Senate conducts hearings regarding Judge Roberts' nomination, he carries the burden of demonstrating that he deserves a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Important questions will be raised about his writings while working for the government and the light they shed on his commitment to constitutional principles such as equal rights, privacy, and the appropriate use of Executive power by the President.
It is essential that Judge Roberts clearly and candidly discuss his views on these critical matters, to ensure that they reflect the values embodied in our Constitution. If he is confirmed, Judge Roberts will be making crucial decisions regarding civil rights, workers' rights, women's rights, the environment, and many issues that haven't yet even reached the courts. It is important to ensure that the next member of the Supreme Court will protect our freedoms, preserve our privacy rights, pursue justice, and be fair,open-minded, and independent.
I hope the confirmation process will show clearly whether Judge Roberts is such a person. Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
August 31, 2005
Mrs. Jean Heimann
(Address)
Mrs. Jean Heimann:
Thank you for your message regarding the taking of private property through the use of eminent domain. I appreciate hearing from you.
I understand your concerns regarding the need to protect property rights.
On June 23, 2005, the Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision in Kelo v.City of New London. The Court held that the city's condemnation of private property, to implement a redevelopment plan aimed at invigorating a depressed economy, was a "public use" satisfying constitutional requirements - even though the property might be turned over to private developers. The opinion is based on a century of Supreme Court decisions holding that "public use" must be read broadly to mean "for a public purpose.
"The New London decision attempted to strike a balance between property rights and the economic development goals of local governments. The true effect of the case will not be known until the lower courts have time to interpret and apply it.
However, several options have been raised to address the decision through Congressional action. Legislation has been introduced that would prohibit the use of federal funds for state and local projects that impose eminent domain for the purpose of economic development. Another proposal would amend the Constitution to prohibit condemnation for the purpose of economic development. I will keep your thoughts in mind as this matter is considered further by Congress.
Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
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