On the recordMarch 7, 2000
I think the constitutional process is very clear that the Senate has the right and the responsibility, under the Constitution, to advise and consent. That is exactly what I intend to do in my role as a Senator as it pertains to these two nominees before us. It is no secret that I am opposed to Judge Berzon and Judge Paez, as many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle are, I hope. The issue, though, is whether it is OK to block judicial nominees. There is thinking among some that we should not start down this path of blocking a judicial nominee whom we do not think is a good nominee for the court because it may come back to haunt us at some point when and if a Republican should be elected to the Presidency. Let me say, with all due respect to my colleagues, I am not starting down any new path. The tradition of the Senate is one of blocking judicial nominees in the final year of an administration.
Source
govinfo.gov
