While waiting for Congressman Watt, Senator Kennedy spoke to reporters about the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court. He introduced Ms. Phillips and Ms. Jones, plaintiffs in cases brought before the high court. Representative Watts spoke briefly about the nomination before departing again. Dr. Spears said that the nominee should state his commitment to the constitutional protection of women’s health and reproductive rights. Following their remarks, Senator Kennedy responded to questions and comments from the reporters.

Ms. Jones spoke about Tennessee v. Lane, in which she sought wheelchair accessibility to courthouses under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Phillips, whose daughter died as a result of a type of cancer called Ewings sarcoma, discussed the affirmation of the Family Medical Leave Act in Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs.