Political Quotes

“Mr. President, recently I came to the floor of the Senate to talk about the lack of faith the American people have in the political system and in our government. My focus that day was on campaign finance laws and the impact of the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court 2 years ago. Today I am here to discuss, along with my colleagues, another dynamic of Capitol Hill that is making people lose faith in Washington: the apparent inability of Congress to get routine business done; specifically, the failure of the Senate to fill the dozens of judicial vacancies that exist around the country. This doesn't need to be a partisan debate. I know Senators on each side have their own reasons why it is the other party's fault. But we need to put those arguments behind us and agree to do the people's business. We have actually done a good job, as Senator Cardin has pointed out, on the Judiciary Committee with having a number of judges who have come through that committee and are waiting approval on the floor. But often, we approve judges and they don't get floor votes for months and months. Also, the vast majority of judges who get approved, get approved unanimously in committee. That was my experience with the judge I recommended from Minnesota who now is a judge. So we got her done, but there are so many more, as you know, and so many jurisdictions with heavy caseloads which are awaiting judges. Once these judges get to the floor, almost all of them get a handful of no votes.…”