Political Quotes

“A nomination filibuster by a minority whenever it may coalesce is different from legislative filibusters. On legislation, there is a potential safety valve that a troubled measure may be offered elsewhere as a nongermane amendment or somehow be addressed by the House or in conference. No such possibility exists on a nomination. There is no safety valve on a nomination. Filibustering nominations is obstruction in its most potent and virulent form. Even if a majority of Senators stand ready to confirm, nomination filibusters are fatal. Frist-Miller is a narrow remedy that addresses a real problem. It permits substantial debate but allows the full Senate to work its will. The Senate must halt the emerging and unwelcome practice of obstructing nominations. No change in the rules is needed if those who have filibustered will relent and permit the nominations to have a vote. If they do not, then amending the rules is imperative. We have sought consent for a time certain to vote on each of the nominees. Met with objection, we filed for cloture. Without either consent or cloture, the obstruction will continue and incessant demands for reform will grow louder. These demands will include the exercise of the Senate's constitutional rulemaking power to amend rules or precedents to end filibusters on nominees. Various proposals go far beyond the Frist-Miller filibuster reform. I would not support these efforts now but I reserve the right to support them later.”