John Sarbanes: “Exactly. Let me say I am very deeply concerned about this development. I want to commend the Senator from Vermont…”

“Exactly. Let me say I am very deeply concerned about this development. I want to commend the Senator from Vermont because he has been speaking out on this very important matter for some time now. Moving to the pending nomination, I want to speak first to Merrick Garland's merits, although let me say that I do not understand any of my colleagues to be questioning his capabilities and qualifications to serve on the bench. In fact, Members on both sides have spoken very highly of Merrick Garland and noted his outstanding character. I was privileged, since he is a resident of my State, to have the honor to introduce him at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. That was on November 30, 1995, almost 18 months ago. I believed then and continue to believe now that he will make an outstanding addition to the D.C. circuit. His career exemplifies his strong commitment to the law and to public service. He is a magna cum laude graduate from Harvard Law School. He clerked for Judge Henry Friendly on the second circuit and for Justice William Brennan at the Supreme Court. He has had a long association with the Justice Department, first as a special assistant to then Att. Gen. Benjamin Civiletti. He then became a partner at Arnold & Porter when he left the Justice Department to go into private practice. Upon returning to public service, he has served as an assistant U.S.…”