Tom Harkin: “as many of my colleagues know, I am a strong and enthusiastic advocate of Stephanie Rose to serve as a district court…”

“as many of my colleagues know, I am a strong and enthusiastic advocate of Stephanie Rose to serve as a district court judge in Iowa's southern judicial district. I was honored to recommend to the President that he nominate this outstanding attorney. I encourage my colleagues to vote for her confirmation when the vote occurs later this afternoon. Let me begin by first thanking Senator Leahy and his staff for their hard work in advancing Ms. Rose's nomination. I also want to thank my senior colleague from Iowa, Senator Grassley, for his invaluable support and assistance. For all the years we have served together here in the Senate, which now goes on, I think, 27 years, Senator Grassley and I have cooperated in a spirit of good will on judicial nominations in our State. I am proud we are continuing Iowa's tradition regarding judicial selections. I can honestly say that Senator Grassley has never opposed one of my selectees, I have never opposed one of his, even when there has been a different President in the White House, depending upon the party that is in control of the Congress. I think we have both been very judicious, if I might use that word, in our selection of people for the bench. I say that both on behalf of Senator Grassley and myself. So therefore we have worked together in this very close spirit of cooperation.…”