Sheldon Whitehouse actually said...

Thank you, Senator Merkley. We very much appreciate your and Senator Wyden's expressions of support for these two nominees.

I think we do bring a perspective about the appropriate role of a judge to our duties.

It is a very solemn thing for members of the U.S. Senate to consider nominees for the United States district court.

We are delighted to have him back and look forward to a more successful trip through confirmation at this time.