James A. Leach: “while the House of Representatives does not have a role in the process of confirming individuals to high-level…”

“while the House of Representatives does not have a role in the process of confirming individuals to high-level Government positions, I feel compelled to object today to Senate intransigence with regard to a particular nomination, both because of the significance of the nomination itself and because of the reflection it casts on Senate procedures and American politics. First, with regard to the individual involved, it should be stressed that the President of the United States has designated a superbly qualified former Governor to be our Ambassador to Mexico. Bill Weld stands out for his integrity, his intelligence, and his distinguished public service. In selecting a Republican, the President has wisely determined to act in a bipartisan fashion. He is to be congratulated. The irony that a Senate controlled by the same political party as a nominee has not even given Governor Weld the courtesy of a public hearing reveals an intolerant aspect of public discourse today. It is an embarrassment to the Republican Party and to the Congress. In addition, the capacity of a single U.S. Senator to prevent a nomination from being considered underscores the need for the Senate to reform itself.”