John Cornyn: “before I make the remarks I have prepared about Judge Alito, I extend my gratitude to members of my staff who, as a…”

“before I make the remarks I have prepared about Judge Alito, I extend my gratitude to members of my staff who, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, have been so instrumental in my ability to prepare for this confirmation process. In particular, I note the contribution of Brian Fitzpatrick, who has been a member of my staff and worked on both the Roberts and Alito Supreme Court nominations. He is leaving next week after Judge Alito is confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, as he will be, to go teach at NYU, New York University. NYU's gain is our loss. I certainly wish Brian well in his new career. I put him on notice that the next vacancy that President Bush gets to the U.S. Supreme Court, I am going to be calling him and asking him to come back for another gig. Madam President, I rise today to explain why I intend to vote to confirm Judge Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.…”