Harry Reid: “We are committed to achieving the fullest possible measure of bipartisan consultation before the President makes his…”

“We are committed to achieving the fullest possible measure of bipartisan consultation before the President makes his selection of a nominee. . . .We met recently with Senators Gramm and Hutchison to discuss their interest in having commissions review the qualifications of candidates, and my staff will be working with theirs to determine how best to implement such a process. So there was consultation. This President does not abide by the advice and consent clause of the Constitution. Article II, section 2: We have a constitutional obligation to do just what we are doing. Republicans held up scores of Clinton nominations. These nominees were subjected to secret holds, given no hearings or even votes. On two separate occasions today, I have read into the Record the names of these people who simply were dumped without even a hearing. My friends on the other side of the aisle did not make their objections known to the American people. We have in the light of day. They did not raise their objections in the light of day. They never engaged in debate like this because they hid behind secret holds. Their assertion that holding up Miguel Estrada is anti-American, anti-Hispanic. I hope we have answered that assertion. This charge is simply without foundation. Democratic administrations have placed nearly all the judges who now serve at the appellate court level.”