The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to schedule a vote for tomorrow on President Bush’s September 5th renomination of William G. Myers III to a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Objections by senators to Myers had caused his nomination to be returned to the White House during the August recess.

In important respects Myers is unique among nominees, as reflected in the “Gang of 14” agreement that saved the filibuster. In that written agreement, seven Republican and seven Democratic senators provided for confirmation of certain other controversial judges but specifically exempted Myers and one other nominee, who later withdrew.

Myers is the first federal court nominee to be stopped (for more than three years) almost exclusively as a result of environmental and related Native American concerns. In particular, Myers’s nomination has been blocked because of his discredited actions as the Interior Department’s top lawyer. As the Department’s Solicitor, he unjustifiably favored mining companies and other special interests at the expense of his responsibilities to enforce the laws that protect taxpayers, tribal rights, and the environment.

Myers’ legal positions as Interior Solicitor were rejected by the Interior Department and by federal and state courts. His actions as Solicitor account for the fact that he is opposed by several religious denominations and faith groups, and is the only judicial nominee ever opposed by the National Congress of American Indians, which represents more than 250 tribal governments, and by the non-partisan National Wildlife Federation.

Click here for more information, including links to the “Gang of 14” agreement and Senators’ statements, editorials, and letters from a wide variety of groups opposing Myers’ nomination.