Political Quotes

“I just want to share in the frustration of my colleague from Wyoming. This should not be a partisan issue. I agree, it is wrong to hold people's lives in abeyance. We are trying to get the very best people to serve on our courts. If they have to put their lives on hold for a year or two, will they come forward and seek to serve as a judge? We know that for the ones we are trying to get on the bench, it is going to be a financial sacrifice. They can make more money in the private sector. We want the very best on our courts. If someone is put on hold for 2 years or for 1 year, it compromises their ability if they are in the private practice of law, and it is not the right thing to do--whether it is a Democrat or a Republican in the White House. We have to act on these appointments a lot faster. The point I raised is that during this term of Congress, during this year and a half, we have seen the number of judicial vacancies go up from 43 to 79. At this particular moment, there are 20 nominees on the Executive Calendar who have cleared the committee by voice vote and who are not controversial. Some have been waiting over a year since their nomination. We can do something about it right now, and we should do something about it right now. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Hawaii.”