On the recordFebruary 9, 2012
I rise in opposition to this nomination. I do so not because of the qualifications of this particular nominee, but instead I do so in defense of the U.S. Constitution. In opposing President Obama's appointments, I have repeatedly made clear this is a constitutional issue. Each time I have spoken--and I have done so on numerous occasions--I have set forth in detail the reasons why I believe on a legal basis, on a constitutional basis, why President Obama's recent purported recess appointments are unprecedented and unconstitutional. I have also made absolutely clear that my opposition to President Obama's appointments is not partisan and that I will hold a Republican President equally accountable whenever any Republican President makes a similarly unconstitutional claim of power. This President has enjoyed my cooperation up to this point. I voted for many, if not most, of his nominees. That cooperation cannot continue--not in the same way he has enjoyed it up to this point. In light of the fact he has disrespected our authority within this body, he has disrespected the Constitution. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues have refused to engage on the real substance of this issue. Instead, they have repeatedly changed the subject to partisan politics, the nominations process, and Richard Cordray's qualifications to head the CFPB.…





