Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) today released the following statement after President Obama announced his nomination of federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States:

“With the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, the Supreme Court lost a great defender of liberty and the Constitution. President Obama’s nomination today to fill Scalia’s vacancy comes at the tail end of his presidency and during a contentious election year. The nomination and confirmation of our next Supreme Court justice will dramatically impact the composition of our nation’s highest court and, in turn, the direction of our country.

“This is not about who the president nominated today; it is about the principle of giving the American people a voice in this process by voting in the next general election. The significance of this decision cannot be understated and I hope the Senate will exercise its constitutional authority to ensure the will of the people is upheld.”