Udall Statement After Meeting with Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after his meeting today with Judge Merrick Garland, President Obama's nominee to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy due to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia:

"I had a very good meeting with Judge Garland. This was my opportunity to learn more about his judicial record and his position on issues that are important to New Mexico families, such as getting money out of politics, ownership of public lands, Tribal law, immigration, and the president's action to fight climate change. He's not a Westerner, but he is well-versed and well-informed, and he is not prejudging any particular subject matter. That's important.

"Voting on a presidential nominee to the Supreme Court is one of the most important duties a senator has. And that's why I'm very disappointed that Senate Republicans are refusing to hold hearings on any nominee by President Obama -- refusing to do their most important job as senators.

"The Constitution is clear. The Senate shall offer its advice and consent. It doesn't say 'except when the nomination is made in the last year of a president's term.' This obstruction is unprecedented. The majority needs to do its job: hold hearings and a vote."