Jon Kyl: “I wish to urge the swift confirmation of Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. It has been 6 weeks now, and the…”

“I wish to urge the swift confirmation of Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. It has been 6 weeks now, and the Senate Judiciary Committee has not even taken up the nomination. It is past time to fill this vacancy. There is no question this nominee is qualified to serve. I don't need to recite his qualifications. They were mentioned by many Members at Judge Mukasey's nomination hearing. The distinguished majority leader said: Judge Mukasey has strong professional credentials and a reputation for independence. A man who spent 18 years on the Federal bench surely understands the importance of checks and balances and knows how to say no to the President when he oversteps the Constitution. There is no question, the Nation would be well served by Judge Mukasey's confirmation. Indeed, in recommending Judge Mukasey to serve on the Supreme Court, Senator Schumer noted that Judge Mukasey, and the others he recommended: . . . were legally excellent, ideologically moderate, within the mainstream, and have demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law. Surely, if a man is qualified and independent enough to be on the Supreme Court, we should have far fewer concerns when nominating him to serve the remaining time of about 1 year as Attorney General. It seems to me that what this debate boils down to is politics. Some Members want more information about his views. I would note that he testified for 2 full days and has answered nearly 500 written questions.…”