Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I say to Senator Coburn that we very much understand that he is doing this for others. We want them to step forward. We want to get rid of these secret holds, as the Senator from Oklahoma has stepped forward on the broadcasting board. He has said he is holding up six people to go on that board of governors. It is out there in public, and it is something that all of us can examine and the media can examine. We can figure out whether his objections are legitimate. But that is the process. That is what is going on--secretly delaying the administration from getting its team in place. Let's admit what is going on here. The folks who are putting on these holds do not want to see the President have his team in place. If he doesn't have his team in place, I think the expectation is that they think he would not be able to do the job. Once again, the President nominated somebody important to work with Secretary Chu at the Department of Energy. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the purpose of consideration of Calendar No. 726, Patricia A. Hoffman, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy; that the nomination be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that no further motions be in order; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and that any statements relating to the nominee be printed in the Record as if read. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore.…”