Today feminists across the United States and around the globe are applauding President Barack Obama for his nomination of Clinton as U.S. Secretary of State and the Senate for its swift, bipartisan confirmation. The lopsided 94-2 vote demonstrates that Clinton’s experience and intelligence inspire respect and confidence among her colleagues.
NOW President Kim Gandy states in this press release, “As a candidate, President-elect Barack Obama made clear his commitment to equal opportunity, and today’s cabinet announcements begin to fulfill those values.”
Senator Hillary Clinton was our first choice, and that of 18 million primary voters, but presumptive Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama’s pick, Joe Biden, is a friend of women and a strong selection for Vice President.
On October 31, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) formally requested that the House Judiciary Committee open an investigative file on U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent, of Galveston, Texas, regarding sexual harassment complaints. Kent was reprimanded by and suspended from the bench by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on September 28, 2007, but that suspension ends on January 1, 2008.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) applauds Congresswoman Jackson Lee for taking this crucial step, noting as a member of the Judiciary Committee that it is their “obligation as members of the U.S. Congress to do all in our power to prevent all forms of sexual harassment, especially in the judicial arena, which is entrusted to administer these very laws which have allegedly been violated and over which we have oversight.”
U.S. District Court Judge Samuel B. Kent of Galveston, Texas, received a four-month paid vacation and a slap on the wrist after a secret investigation.
Tell the Senate to vote No on the SAVE America Act.