The Senate Judiciary Committee will not open hearings on Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts, Jr., on Tuesday, as had been planned. Various news organizations are reporting that Senate leaders have decided to begin the hearings no earlier than Thursday, but no later than Monday, in order to honor Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.

The Associated Press files this report and the New York TImes provides this news update. Bloomberg News reports that “Bush Chooses John Roberts as Next U.S. Chief Justice” and Reuters reports that “Bush picks Roberts to succeed Rehnquist.” The White House’s web site has posted online this transcript of this morning’s announcement.