Chris Dodd: “I rise to briefly state my reasons for opposing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to serve as a judge on the Court of…”

“I rise to briefly state my reasons for opposing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to serve as a judge on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Court. I must say at the outset that I regret having to cast this vote. Throughout my tenure here in the Senate, I have supported the vast majority of presidential nominees--regardless of the party to which a president has belonged. With regard to the current administration, I have joined with my colleagues in voting to confirm the overwhelming majority of its judicial nominees--including those with whom I differed on matters of legal and public policy. I had assumed that, when nominated, Mr. Kavanaugh would likely be among this large group of judicial nominees to receive broad bipartisan support. After all, he has a commendable academic background, and served as a law clerk to two Circuit Court judges and one Supreme Court Justice. However, it appears--that after emerging from a confirmation process where his conduct can be described as disappointing at best, and dismissive at worst--Mr. Kavanaugh has practically invited opposition to his nomination. In my view, there are few duties more important to the Senate than the consideration of the nomination of article III jurists. Other than considering a declaration of war or an amendment to the Constitution, nothing is more important than deciding on a judicial nominee.…”