Political Quotes

“Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise this evening in support of the nomination of Paula Xinis to serve on the District Court of Maryland. I know Senator Cardin will be coming to the floor shortly to also comment on Ms. Xinis's nomination. Senator Cardin and I recommended Ms. Xinis to President Obama with the utmost confidence in her abilities, talent, and competence for the job. She is a brilliant litigator and a dedicated public servant. The Judiciary Committee agreed with us, because they also voted her out of the committee unanimously. I thank Senator McConnell, the majority leader, for scheduling this vote; Senator Grassley for moving this nomination; and I also thank my very good and dear friend Senator Leahy, the vice chairman of the committee, who has been a strong advocate not only for this nomination but for moving all nominations forward, as voted out by the committee in a prompt way. As I talk about Ms. Xinis, I want the Presiding Officer to know that I have recommended several judicial nominees for district and appellate courts, and I take my advise and consent responsibility very seriously. When I recommend to the President a position on the district court, I have four criteria: absolute integrity, judicial competence and temperament, a commitment to core constitutional principles, and a history of civic engagement in Maryland. Ms. Xinis exceeds these expectations over and beyond.…”