Senate Democrats said they would continue objecting to the nomination of Bill Myers, the former Interior Department solicitor, to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Tribes around the country are opposing Myers, citing his record of failing to protect sacred sites and consult with tribes. He was Interior's top lawyer for two years, presiding over major cases, including trust fund litigation.

Senate Democrats were able to reach a deal with the White House on other non-controversial nominees. President Bush is promising not to use "recess appointments" to bypass the Senate and put put his judges on the federal bench. Myers could have been appointed the court using this procedure.

Get the Story:
President, Senate Reach Pact On Judicial Nominations (The Washington Post 5/19)
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Deal Ends Impasse Over Judicial Nominees (The New York Times 5/19)
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Relevant Documents:
Environmental/Tribal Coalition Letter | NCAI Resolution | Environmental Group's Letter | Holland & Hart Biography

Indianz.Com Profile:
Industry insider named to Interior (March 30, 2001)

From the Archive:
Myers reversing sacred site opinion (10/25)
Bush nominee has no 'agenda' on Clinton decisions (6/21)

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