On the recordDecember 17, 2011
I am disappointed that my friend objected, but I want the record to be spread with this: We have done a good job on nominations the last couple of months. Actually, in the last 3 months, we have accomplished quite a bit. But I am kind of reminded of my days of being a younger man and running a foot race. I wasn't fast enough for the short races, so I ran long races. But unless I started fast, it was really hard to catch up. That is my concern about these nominations. We have started so slowly, I am not sure we can catch up. I hope we can. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I will say that there will be nominations we will be able to work our way through, but as I indicated, the particular package the majority leader just proffered as it is currently constituted will not be able to go forward because of our inability to receive from the administration the assurances that have been routinely given at this point with regard to recess appointments.
