Senate leaders and the ranking members of the Judiciary Committee spoke to reporters about the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court. They discussed the schedule for his confirmation following the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The Senators said that both the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as well as the passing of the chief justice were reasons for the delay and that they expected a dignified confirmation hearing for the nominee. Following their remarks, they responded to questions and comments from the reporters.