Political Quotes

“No. 1, I wish to acknowledge the progress that was made yesterday between Senator McConnell and Senator Reid regarding an impasse over circuit court nominations. The average, I believe, for the last 2 years of a Presidential term when the opposing party had control of the Senate, was 15 circuit court nominations being confirmed by the Senate. At this point, we are at seven. As I understand, an agreement reached yesterday between Senator Reid and Senator McConnell will allow three circuit court judges to be moved forward by the May 23 recess. I appreciate that progress. I live in the State of South Carolina, which is in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. We have a judicial emergency on hand there. A third of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is vacant. We have two nominees, one from South Carolina and one from North Carolina, who have been awaiting hearings and confirmation for well over 200 days now. I urge my colleagues to allow these fine candidates for the judiciary to move forward and the Senate get on about its business when it comes to judges.”