Thomas Daschle: “I cannot think of a more counterproductive effort, a more counterproductive device, than to bring back a nomination that…”

“I cannot think of a more counterproductive effort, a more counterproductive device, than to bring back a nomination that has already been before the Chamber six times. I certainly am not questioning the majority's motives. I do not question their desire to finish the Energy bill, but I do question the management of our time when I think with every bit of sincerity our Republican friends tell us they want to finish this bill. We are now in a quorum call in the middle of the day on a nomination that has already been before the Senate six separate times this year. Six times we have debated whether Miguel Estrada ought to be required to do what every nominee is required to do, which is answer the questions and fill out the job application. Six times, without equivocation, Senators said you do that and we will take another look at your nomination. Here we are now for the seventh time, in the middle of an energy debate that we are told by the majority must be done, debating once more this very issue.”