James M. Talent: “Nominees deserve a vote. If our Republican colleagues don't like them, vote against them. But don't just sit on them…”

“Nominees deserve a vote. If our Republican colleagues don't like them, vote against them. But don't just sit on them-- that is obstruction of justice. Free and full debate over judicial nominations is healthy. The Constitution is clear that only individuals acceptable to both the President and the Senate should be confirmed. The President and the Senate do not always agree. But we should resolve these disagreements by voting on these nominees--yes or no. We should resolve these disagreements by voting on these nominees-- yes or no. The divisiveness over nominations, holding them up in one way or another, is not new to this Senate. This tactic of abusing the filibuster rule for a minority to stop court of appeals judges from even getting a vote, that is new; that is unprecedented.”