Thank you for the question, Mr. Cooper. I know that you will continue to ask me questions about judges until judges are in place.
As I said yesterday and will say today, and as you point out, there are a substantial number of vacancies across the country in our courts. In terms of a comprehensive review of how judges are appointed, we will ensure in my review of the appointment process that we not only look to merit but also at diversity, which is part of the broader process of appointments that I am committed to undertaking. That work is under way.
In terms of the shorter appointment process—and I'm nor sure “appointment process” is necessarily accurate.... I may have said that yesterday in the House, but I know in speaking with chief justices across the country that there are urgencies. All appointments are urgent, but there are some that need to be filled sooner than those in the broader appointment process. In terms of that shorter appointment process, again, I am engaged and have spoken to chief justices across the country. I know there are lists of potential justices that can be drawn from, and we're reviewing those lists very closely, ensuring that we reach out to and engage with stakeholders, including the judiciary, to fill those more urgent positions in the short term.
Those appointments will be coming as soon as possible, ensuring that we have done our due diligence in reviewing those names.