Mr. President, I am proud to join my colleagues today in recognizing the anniversary of a landmark Supreme Court decision, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. Before I talk about that decision, I want to talk today about Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement. This is a pivotal moment in our country. With Justice Kennedy's retirement announcement today, the stakes have never been higher for making sure we choose a Supreme Court Justice committed to the Constitution and to protecting the most fundamental rights of Americans--the right to vote, the ability to organize, and a woman's right to choose. Whomever replaces Justice Kennedy will, no doubt, have a say on issues that affect the lives of every American--issues such as the healthcare system, our elections, and the health of our environment. In February of 2016, some 9 months before the 2016 election, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement saying: ``The American people should have a voice in the selection of our next Supreme Court Justice.'' He kept his word. He didn't hold a hearing or a vote on President Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, during that election year. I believe Republicans should be held to the same standard they set themselves. The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent. We are a little more than 4 months away from an election that will decide the balance of the Senate.…
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