Political Quotes

“I rise today having just voted no on the motion invoking cloture on Paul Matey's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Now, I know speeches on procedure rarely make headlines, but I cannot be silent as the majority shreds long-held norms for political gain. Once again, the Republican majority has ignored the blue-slip process that allows Senators to either green light or prevent hearings on judicial nominees from their home States. Some Americans may wonder, why does this matter? Well, the blue-slip process gives the people a voice through their elected representatives on who ultimately renders justice in their State. Neither Senator Booker nor I have returned blue slips for Mr. Matey. In fact, Mr. Matey's confirmation hearing took place before Senator Booker--our State's voice on the Judiciary Committee--was even extended the common courtesy of meeting with Mr. Matey. It wasn't for lack of trying. Senator Booker requested time with Mr. Matey, but when he didn't receive it, the Judiciary Committee proceeded anyway. To add insult to injury, committee Republicans falsely claimed the White House had meaningfully consulted with myself and Senator Booker, the home State Senators, and that is simply not the case. There never was meaningful consultation between the White House and Senator Booker or me to identify a highly qualified consensus nominee--rather, we were informed about the decision to nominate Mr.…”