Amy Klobuchar: “this is the fourth time I have come to the floor urging Senator Cruz to remove his hold on these very important nominees…”

“this is the fourth time I have come to the floor urging Senator Cruz to remove his hold on these very important nominees for two of our best allies, the countries of Sweden and Norway. Norway has been without a confirmed ambassador for 860 days. As we know, the first nominee withdrew, but many of these days have been filled up by the second nominee, who is not controversial--Sam Heins from the State of Minnesota--who made it through the committee without objection. In the case of Sweden, it has been 469 days since the President nominated Azita Raji to be ambassador. There is no issue with these nominees. In fact, in the words of Senator Cotton from Arkansas, my Republican colleague, ``I believe both [nominees] are qualified . . . and we have significant interests in Scandinavia. My hope is that both nominees receive a vote in the Senate sooner than later.'' We know we have the support of Senator Corker, the head of the Foreign Relations Committee. We thank Senator Cardin for his support. We thank Majority Leader McConnell. We thank Senator Reid. This vote is not a controversial vote. Senator Cruz is not here to object. We understand Senator Lee is here on his behalf. But I would like to know why Senator Cruz isn't here to object. I think I know why he isn't here to object--because he is in the State of my colleague Senator Shaheen. We cannot hold up the business of the Senate like this.…”