Political Quotes

“The Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Miguel Estrada to be a circuit judge for the DC Circuit. We have spent 4 days and over 20 hours debating this eminently qualified nominee. Yesterday 14 Senators participated in the debate. To afford Senators ample time to fulfill their constitutional advise and consent responsibilities and to facilitate unfettered consideration of this nomination, I expect tonight to be a very late night. Senators are encouraged to come to the floor over the course of today to engage in this debate. The Democratic leader and I have discussed options to conclude the Senate's constitutional responsibilities as they pertain to this nominee. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to object to any time agreement and refuse to set a time for a dispositive vote. My objective is to provide all Senators with sufficient opportunity to debate the merits of this nominee and then to move this nomination to a final vote. Therefore, once again, I encourage Senators to come to the floor today and this evening and, if necessary, tomorrow and tomorrow evening, to express their views so a final vote can be scheduled. I do hope the Democratic leader will assist me in achieving this goal. In addition, the Senate continues to wait for the completion of the very important conference report on the omnibus appropriations bill.”