Denny Rehberg: “nearly 2 years ago President Bush nominated Miguel Estrada to fill a vacancy in the United States Court of Appeals.…”

“nearly 2 years ago President Bush nominated Miguel Estrada to fill a vacancy in the United States Court of Appeals. During this time, the President's opponents have turned ``advise and consent'' into ``criticize and dissent.'' They have stalled nearly all of his judicial nominations and much of his domestic agenda as well. The President's opponents are purposely relegating important legislation to their ``criticize and dissent'' penalty box. This filibuster is not about Miguel Estrada. He is qualified to serve, and everybody knows that. No, sadly, this is a part of a larger plot to shut down our lawmaking process in an effort to score political points. With terrorists knocking at our door, gas and heating prices soaring, an economy in need of a jump-start, they want to tie up the vital business of America with a filibuster against Miguel Estrada. And it will not end with Miguel Estrada. They will continue to obstruct at every turn. Mr. Speaker, I urge opponents to allow Miguel Estrada a fair vote, return to the crucial work for which they were elected, and set free the legislative process they are holding hostage.”