President Barack Obama announces the nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat left open by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Obama says Garland is experienced and respected by his peers and recounts Garland's education and qualifications. Obama criticizes the Senate Republican leadership who have stated they will hold no confirmation hearings on any nominee until after the Presidential election in November. Garland says the nomination is the greatest honor of his life and looks forward to the confirmation process. Held in the White House Rose Garden.
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