[Third Round of Questioning by Senator Thurmond]
SENATOR THURMOND: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I have no questions of my own, but I will reserve my time in case something comes up I have not anticipated.
I do have one question to clear up something that was asked this morning by Senator Leahy.
Judge Thomas, this morning when you answered Senator Leahy's question about important Supreme Court cases, did you understand him to be referring to important cases decided when you were in law school?
JUDGE THOMAS: My understanding was that he was asking me for cases decided during the period that I was in law school, from 1971 to 1974, and I think I answered him in response to that Griggs and Roe v. Wade.
SENATOR THURMOND: I just wanted to clarify that if there is any question about it.
Now, Mr. Chairman, I believe the distinguished Senator from Illinois brought out that 12 Members of the House have opposed you. Is that correct?
JUDGE THOMAS: That is right.
SENATOR THURMOND: Well, Mr. Chairman, I wish to offer for the record a letter signed by 128 Members of the House endorsing Judge Thomas, several of whom are Democrats, and ask that that be made a part of the record.
SENATOR BIDEN: Without objection, it will be made a part of the record.
SENATOR THURMOND: I will reserve the rest of my time.
SENATOR BIDEN: Senator Kennedy--
SENATOR THURMOND: And, Judge Thomas, let me just say this, since I think I am through, unless something comes up I don't anticipate. I want to compliment you on the way you have conducted yourself here. I think you have shown you are fair, you are open-minded; you answered all the questions you could without violating your oath that you will have to take as a judge on cases that might be coming up in the future. We are very pleased with the way the hearings went.
I want to compliment the chairman, Senator Biden, and the other members on this hearing and the way it has been conducted throughout. In my opinion, you deserve to be confirmed on the Supreme Court, and I anticipate you will be.
JUDGE THOMAS: Thank you, Senator.
SENATOR BIDEN: Thank you very much, Senator.
Senator Kennedy?