Mazie Hirono: “yesterday, we heard our colleague from Maine express the hope that his ``nomination is where the process has finally hit…”

“yesterday, we heard our colleague from Maine express the hope that his ``nomination is where the process has finally hit rock bottom.'' On this, I agree. I hope we never again reach a place where women are as disrespected, ignored, and disregarded, as they have been throughout this confirmation process. My colleague also observed that ``[w]e live in a time of such great disunity'' that ``people bear[ ] extreme ill will toward those who disagree with them.'' While that may be true for some, I think many of us who have strongly spoken out about our concerns about Judge Kavanaugh's nominations do not bear any ill will against those who disagree with us. In fact, being able to strongly disagree with others and voice our opinions without being told to ``grow up'' or called a ``loud mouth'' reflects a respect for the American values of democracy and respecting women. It is in that spirit, I would like to clarify several misunderstandings raised by my colleague. As my colleague from Maine noted, she cares about protecting women's reproductive rights. Given this concern, I feel compelled to clarify her description of Judge Kavanaugh's record on reproductive rights. She referenced, without naming, Judge Kavanaugh's dissenting opinion in favor of a religious organization, Priests for Life.…”