Amy Klobuchar: “I rise today to join many of my colleagues who have come to the floor to express my opposition to the nomination of…”

“I rise today to join many of my colleagues who have come to the floor to express my opposition to the nomination of Steven Menashi to U.S. circuit judge for the Second Circuit. I am disappointed that Mr. Menashi's nomination has moved forward even though he lacks the support of his home State senators. In the rush to confirm judges like Mr. Menashi, the Senate has chipped away at the traditions that allow us to properly advise and consent on nominations, which is our responsibility under the Constitution. Today, we are considering a nominee whose record has raised several concerning issues. While working as Principal Deputy General Counsel and as Acting General Counsel at the Department of Education, Menashi advised Secretary DeVos on the Department's efforts to withhold debt relief for students who were defrauded by their colleges, reverse the Obama administration's regulations on campus sexual assault, and delay the enforcement of rules designed to ensure that students of color with disabilities are treated fairly. And while at the White House Counsel's Office, Mr. Menashi has advised on the administration's efforts to end the deferred enforced departure program for Liberians and to restrict access to asylum. I am also concerned that, despite a request from all of the Democratic Senators on the Judiciary Committee, Mr.…”