Harry Reid: “I am happy that this judge is being approved. We are certainly willing to cooperate when we can. I just wanted to…”

“I am happy that this judge is being approved. We are certainly willing to cooperate when we can. I just wanted to briefly respond to the comment of the distinguished majority whip that the system is broken and we have had to have cloture votes on two judges. My math may be off either way, but I think this is the 123rd judge who will have been approved in a matter of a few seconds: 123 during this administration; 2 have been, in effect, turned down-- there is still debate going on on those two--123 to 2. Statistics show this is the lowest number of vacancies since, I believe, 1959. I could be wrong. But there are a significant number of judges we have approved--as I said, 123. I understand the seriousness of the feelings of people regarding Miguel Estrada and Priscilla Owen. But looking at the other side of the picture, 123 to 2 is not bad. I withdraw any objection I might have laid on the Record.”