Joe Lieberman: “Mr. President, let me say at the outset that the bill before us addresses a very important problem, which is to say the…”

“Mr. President, let me say at the outset that the bill before us addresses a very important problem, which is to say the need to protect the Senate's constitutional role in the appointment of Federal officers. The Constitution, as my colleagues have indicated, provides that the President's power to appoint officers of the United States is to be exercised ``by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate. . . .'' Unfortunately, in too many cases over the course of the past several administrations, the Senate's constitutional prerogatives have too often been ignored through the executive's far-too-common practice of appointing acting officials to serve lengthy periods in positions that are supposed to be filled with individuals confirmed by the Senate. I think it is, therefore, entirely appropriate--indeed necessary--for Congress to act to remedy this situation.”