Bush puts pro-life woman in State post
- Jan 13, 2006
President Bush recently overcame opposition to a pro-life nominee by using his authority to make appointments during a congressional recess. Bush named Ellen Sauerbrey to a State Department post after her confirmation was delayed in the Senate.
ERLC executive Richard Land expressed regret at the “strident, partisan tone within the Beltway” that at times blocks well-qualified citizens, such as Sauerbrey, from serving their country.
Bush named Sauerbrey as assistant secretary of State for population, refugees and migration Jan. 5. The President had nominated the former Maryland House delegate to the State post in September, but the Senate failed to act on her nomination after an October hearing. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D.-Calif, an abortion rights supporter, acted to prevent a confirmation vote on Sauerbrey, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Sauerbrey, 68, was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women before Bush’s recess appointment.
The Planned Parenthood Federation of America, People for the American Way and various other organizations that support abortion rights criticized the appointment.
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