Lynn C. Woolsey: “Republicans continue to abuse this body with their blatant disregard for the rules. They are clearly manufacturing a…”

“Republicans continue to abuse this body with their blatant disregard for the rules. They are clearly manufacturing a crisis about the judicial nomination process, saying it is in trouble. They would have us believe that none of Bush's nominees were being confirmed. But that just is not true. Let us remember that 95 percent of the Bush nominees have been approved, in contrast to 35 percent of the Clinton nominations. So instead of following history, they figure altering the Senate rules in their favor is the ultimate solution so that they can force ten nominees through the system. Republican leaders in Washington are absolutely out of control. They are so afraid of our democracy failing their interests that they must continue to bully in order to get their way. The American people do not want a Congress controlled by bullies. Bullies who are willing to sacrifice a 200-year-old democratic process that has withstood such debates as the 24-hour filibusters of the Civil Rights Act in 1960s. This abuse of power must end. ____________________”