Following developments today in the debate over the nomination of Samuel Alito the Supreme Court, People For the American Way and the NAACP issued this joint statement:

“People For the American Way and the NAACP could not disagree more with today’s assertion by the Republican and Democratic Senate leaders that there has been ‘adequate time’ for debate on the nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. With just two days of debate having passed, this must rank among the shortest debates for a controversial Supreme Court nomination in modern times. In fact, we believe that as debate continues, opposition to this nomination will grow, and we urge support for the Kennedy-Kerry filibuster.

If Samuel Alito is confirmed, the price will be paid by ordinary Americans in the years to come– the women, people with disabilities, immigrants and minorities who seek redress against discrimination; the workers whose jobsite health and safety protections will erode; the women who will lose their reproductive freedom; and every American who relies on the Court to preserve our rights and liberties. Such an outcome would be tragic for the Constitution and the country.”