Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to join with my colleagues on this side to urge our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to move quickly to…”

“I rise to join with my colleagues on this side to urge our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to move quickly to confirm highly qualified judicial nominees. They passed review by the Judiciary Committee. They passed all kinds of scrutiny. We are on the verge of serious economic improvements. As that takes place, we have a lot of parts to keep moving. We must do everything we can to fill the positions that can help, directly and indirectly, to resolve disputes or problems, to help Americans across the country to find work, stay in their homes, provide their children with health care and education. We have to cooperate on all fronts to accelerate the pace of the recovery we see ahead of us. One of the places both sides benefit is to keep our justice system moving efficiently. People need to know they can get disputes resolved, hopefully quickly, but heard and decided. One of the things that looms large is the trial of those who are charged with felonious deeds, criminal acts. Let's get those who are convicted finally punished if it is called for. But let's make sure that part of our judiciary functioning is moving as rapidly as it can be. Property rights are at risk. Businesses need certainty about rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, delays in confirming qualified judicial nominees who have passed the scrutiny of the Judiciary Committee are threatening to grind the wheels of justice to a halt when there are vacancies around.…”