Political Quotes

“I join my colleague from Rhode Island who, with eloquence and passion, has clearly highlighted a disturbing phenomenon taking place in this Chamber. Well-qualified individuals who have received the support of the Judiciary Committee--in many cases, unanimous support--are being denied a final confirmation vote by the full Chamber. This is a break from our history. At the end of the first Congress, during President Reagan's first term, 88 Circuit and District Court nominees were confirmed. At the end of the first Congress during President George H.W. Bush's term, 72 Circuit and District Court nominees were confirmed. At the end of the first Congress under President Clinton, 126 Circuit and District Court nominees were confirmed. At the end of the first Congress during President George W. Bush's first term, 100 Circuit and District Court nominees were confirmed. As of now, if nothing else is done, President Obama, at the end of this Congress, will have only 36 Circuit and District Court nominees confirmed by the Senate, in contrast to 88 for President Reagan, 72 for President George H.W. Bush, 126 for President Clinton, and 100 for George W. Bush. Something is going on here.…”