It does not welcome talented people to public service; it repels them.

the constitutional authority to advise and consent found in the Senate for Presidential nominations is one of the Senate's most important responsibilities.

It is clear that the founding fathers intended to create a system of checks and balances.

We will not have another hearing on the Abe Fortas nomination.

the filibuster can be the majority's greatest enemy and a minority's best friend.

I would really hope that we would, regardless of what we do in terms of alleged reform, let us see what lurks behind the banner of reform.

If the purpose and intent of a filibuster is to exercise a minority veto over legislation or a nomination or whatever, then I think defending recent practice is, in my view, an up-hill climb.

if you do not allow the Minority to amend, in fact if you do not allow every member of the Senate to have an opportunity to amend, then you are basically undermining the whole purpose of the Senate.

I also congratulate Senator McCaskill for her energetic and now successful campaign in this Congress to break loose nominations that have gotten stuck.

Do you think that is possible in this day and age, where the majority would say to the minority, we are going to ensure your right to offer several amendments?

filling the tree has become an unfortunate practice here.

The time required for a typical confirmation... has steadily grown over the last three decades.

You can keep the place collegial just by keeping it open.

the ability of a majority that has so many votes to run over the minority and not take their views into account.

I think the Constitution answers that question: a determined majority can change the rules.

It appears the current majority, however, may be somewhat slimmer than it is in 2000.

This is really a good opening hearing.

I applaud Senators Wyden and Grassley for their sustained commitment over more than 10 years to this issue.

It is not the minority that is the obstructionists.

However, far too often in today's Senate is the decision to begin debate itself is filibustered.

Under no circumstances should any nominee be confirmed to the Ninth Circuit who would take that court further in the wrong direction.

I want to thank Senator Pryor for chairing the hearing.

I certainly want to thank my friend and colleague and just a fine man and outstanding senator, Senator Bennett, for being here as well.

Well, you know it is about time we put jobs and American wealth first, and we're not.

What do you suggest we do? What do I tell all those workers who have lost their jobs?