Don Nickles: “just a comment to follow up on the minority leader's comment on the judges, as the minority leader is aware, we have a…”

“just a comment to follow up on the minority leader's comment on the judges, as the minority leader is aware, we have a new leadership team on this side. And to say the least, we have had our hands full the last couple weeks--not even 2 weeks yet, I think. We have made some progress, but it has not been easy. We made progress as I mentioned earlier, and I complimented the minority leader for his assistance in making this happen. We finally were able to bring to closure the Department of Defense authorization bill. After long, difficult negotiations, it looks as if we are on our way towards finalizing action on the minimum wage. Some of us are very frustrated on this side, though, that Members on the Democrat side of the aisle have objected to appointing conferees on the health bill. That is unprecedented. It is 40-some-odd days, I think about 45 days since we requested conferees be appointed. We would like to have that resolved. And so my point being, there are frustrations maybe on both sides. This side was prepared and willing to move on several judges, and I am sure that this will still be pending when we return early in July. I will look forward to working with the minority leader to see if we cannot come up to a successful resolution.”