Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Tuesday refused to accept GOP demands to delay confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor until September.

“With the attacks that have been going on against her, I think it would be irresponsible to leave her out there that long,— Leahy said at a press conference following his meeting with the nominee.

It appears likely the confirmation hearings will be held in July, since Leahy has already ruled out hearings in June.

Leahy recently said he would not hold the hearings over the planned August recess unless unforeseen circumstances arose.

Leahy also said Sotomayor explained her controversial 2001 speech in which she discussed the abilities of a Latina judge.

He quoted the nominee as saying, “Ultimately and completely, as a judge, you follow the law … no matter what your upbringing.—