Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I am pleased to rise in support of the confirmation of Judge Patty Shwartz to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, a nomination which has finally come to the floor, and the time has come to confirm Judge Shwartz. I express my full support and urge my colleagues to do the same. I am happy we were able to work out the vote on this nominee without a cloture vote, which is incredibly important. I want to refer to my distinguished colleague, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, who mentioned a home State Senator--who happens to be me--and to clarify some issues. I have always taken the role of advice and consent for judicial nominations very seriously, as I am sure we all do. Appointments to the Federal bench are lifetime appointments, and the circuit court is often the last stop before the U.S. Supreme Court. That makes that responsibility even greater. Very few Americans, if they appeal, get past the circuit court to Supreme Court consideration. We know the process can be long and difficult; sometimes overly partisan on both sides based on legitimate concerns and personal beliefs. In the end we always look to confirm the best and most qualified individuals. We conduct a thorough review of the nominees, their understanding of the law, their intellect, their analytical thinking and reasoning, and we make our decisions--and I have made mine--about the nominee.…”