President Welcomes Judge Priscilla Owen

President Welcomes Judge Owen, FULL STREAMING VIDEO Encourages Senate Confirmation The Oval Office President's Remarks 4:51 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: I'm proud to welcome Judge Priscilla Owen to the Oval Office, along with Leader Frist and my two buddies from the great state of Texas, Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn.

Over four years ago I put Judge Owen's name up to the Senate for confirmation to the 5th Court of Appeals. Thanks to the good work of the Leader, whose work cleared the way, Judge Owen is finally going to get an up or down vote on the Senate floor. She is my friend, and more importantly, she's a great judge.

I want to thank the Texas Senators who have been so strong, standing beside Priscilla. There was never any doubt in the Senators' minds that Priscilla Owen is well-qualified to honorably serve on the federal bench. And it's such a -- it's a great day for our friend, to see our friend finally get a just due, after a long, long wait.

So, welcome and congratulations. Perhaps you'd like to say something.

JUDGE OWEN: Mr. President, first of all, thank you for nominating me. I was very humbled by that, and I will remember what -- that you expect judges to follow the law. And I want to thank both of my Senators, Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn. Your support was tremendous throughout all of this. I really appreciate it, and thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to responding tirelessly for months and months. And Senator Frist, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate that, and I appreciate the fact that I'm finally going to get a vote, thanks to your efforts.

Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming.

END 4:54 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 24, 2005