“Justice depends on having judges in place to enforce our laws, resolve disputes and protect the rights of those who face discrimination and violations of their rights. In recent days, we saw some long overdue progress when the United States Senate confirmed a handful of highly qualified judicial nominees. But that is merely a start on the work needed to fill the unprecedented number of vacancies on our federal bench.

It is shameful that so many highly qualified nominees, some of whom were supported unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee, are waiting for months or even years for an up or down vote.

We are especially disappointed that Goodwin Liu — a jurist with impeccable academic and legal credentials, a mainstream judicial philosophy and a demonstrated commitment to equal justice — has fallen victim to obstructionist, partisan politics.

It is time to sound the alarm on judicial vacancies. America needs the Senate to do its job and fill the vacancies on the federal bench. We encourage President Obama to re-nominate these highly qualified candidates as soon as the new Congress is sworn in, and Senate leaders to prioritize speedy confirmation. Let’s put politics aside and do what is best for the country.”