John Cornyn: “I didn't intend to speak this afternoon, but after listening to the comments of the Senator from Massachusetts regarding…”

“I didn't intend to speak this afternoon, but after listening to the comments of the Senator from Massachusetts regarding four individuals, three of whose nominations are pending before this body, I believe a brief statement and indeed a brief correction of the Record are necessary. I am well aware that in politics a charge unanswered is often a charge believed. Indeed, I think the practice is not too rare that some believe if you make the same erroneous charge over and over and over and over again despite the facts that eventually your opponent will tire and fail to correct the Record. I don't want to be guilty of that because I believe not only do the American people need to know the truth and not be misled, the nominees whose integrity has been impugned during this all too painful and sometimes even cruel process deserve better. Obviously, the Senate in providing its advice and consent on the President's nominations should ask hard questions, and we should press for answers to those questions. But there does come a point where the process no longer becomes one that can be described as a search for the truth but, rather, becomes akin to harassment, and, unfortunately, I think that line has been approached.”