Political Quotes

“I understand that earlier today, the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee was on the Senate floor--actually, several times. During his last discussion on the Senate floor, he asked unanimous consent for an up-or-down vote on this distinguished nominee to the Supreme Court. As all of our colleagues know, it is very important from our standpoint that this nominee be given a vote that is up or down, which reflects the advice and consent of this body. It has been reported to me over the course of the afternoon that there are Members from the other side of the aisle who have expressed their intent to filibuster this nominee. As I have said at the outset, it is important to me to make sure that this nominee be given plenty of time in terms of advice and consent on the floor of this body, and, indeed, he has had just that. It is time to establish an end point for that up-or-down vote. Although we have attempted to set a time certain to have that vote in the future, we have not been able to receive that from the other side of the aisle. Again, this is a nominee who is well qualified, has the highest ABA rating. We heard seven of his circuit court fellow judges testify on his behalf. Now is the time to bring his vote to the floor of the Senate. There is objection to that, and it has been now 87 days. I believe this is the 87th day since he was initially nominated.…”