On the recordOctober 3, 2000
I must respond to the remarks of Senator Robb and Senator Harkin. With regard to the nomination of Roger L. Gregory, the position for which Mr. Gregory has been nominated has been vacant since it was created in 1990. Before nominating Mr. Gregory, the President had not even submitted a name to the Senate for this position in almost 5 years. Despite the longstanding vacancy of this judgeship, the work of the Fourth Circuit has not been adversely affected. Moreover, when the President did submit a name to the Senate for disposition almost 5 years ago, he submitted the name of a resident of North Carolina, J. Rich Leonard. In doing so, the President effectively agreed that this seat should be filled by a North Carolinian.
Source
govinfo.gov
