Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the Senate Rules Committee held another important hearing today to review yet another example of how the Senate rules are abused. I want to thank Chairman Schumer again for holding these hearings--they have been invaluable in exploring ways to make the Senate work better for our country. Over the past few months during this series of hearings, we have discussed and debated example after example of how the filibuster in particular--and the Senate's incapacitating rules in general--too often stand in the way of achieving real progress for the American people. Today's hearing topic--secret holds and the confirmation process--was just one more example of how manipulation of the rules continues to foster a level of gridlock and obstruction unlike any we have seen before. Senators Wyden, Grassley, and McCaskill testified at the hearing about their efforts to end the practice of secret holds. I applaud their work and dedication to transparency in government. Their fight to end the practice of secret holds is a worthy one that I wholeheartedly support. Earlier this year I was proud to sign on to Senator McCaskill's letter to the majority and minority leaders, in which we pledged to no longer place anonymous holds and asked for Senate leadership to end the practice altogether. At today's hearing, Senator McCaskill said that she has gathered enough support to surpass the 67-vote threshold required to consider and amend the Senate rules.…”