9/30/2005
Judge Roberts Confirmed as Chief Justice

The Senate yesterday confirmed Judge John Roberts, Jr. as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  Judge Roberts was nominated to fill the void created by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's recent passing.  Judge Roberts was sworn into his post three hours after the Senate voted 78 to 22 to confirm him.  President Bush was present at the swearing-in ceremony.  Judge Roberts is politically conservative in much the same vein as was Rehnquist, meaning that his appointment should not significantly alter the Court's political makeup.  Judge Roberts, 50, served as an attorney in both the Reagan and senior George Bush administrations.

The Supreme Court begins its new session on Monday, October 30.  President Bush is expected to announce his nomination for the vacancy created by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement within the next few days.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/29/AR2005092900859.html