Political Quotes

“let me congratulate the floor manager for offering the conclusion associated with the Interior appropriations bill. It has been a difficult battle, and it has been really tough with the many issues that are subject to rule XVI which often come up in this process. I thank the Senator from Montana and his colleagues on the other side. They have done an extraordinary job. My purpose in rising is to recognize an injustice that has been done to Steven Griles. The injustice was not on the merits of whether Mr. Griles is qualified or not. It is the manner in which his nomination was delayed. I think it is appropriate that the Record note that the intent to nominate Mr. Griles occurred on March 9. The nomination was received on May 1. Hearings were held May 16. He was reported favorably by the Energy Committee, which I happened to chair at that time, 18 to 4. I repeat--18 to 4 on May 23, 2001. All of this, of course, occurred before the switch of Senator Jeffords and, as a consequence, the control of the Senate. Mr. Griles was cleared on the Republican side on May 23. In executive session on May 23, we moved one nomination. On May 24 we moved 19 nominations. On May 25 we moved 33 nominations. On May 26 we moved 8 nominations. In each case, Mr. Griles was cleared on our side and was objected to by the Democrats, which they have every right to do.”