Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to respond to a floor speech my good friend and colleague Senator Leahy recently delivered. In that…”

“I rise today to respond to a floor speech my good friend and colleague Senator Leahy recently delivered. In that address, Senator Leahy once again brought attention to the so-called vacancy crisis that is facing our Federal Judiciary. Now, I don't blame Senator Leahy for that. After all, that is his job. He needs to press us a bit to move judges for the Clinton Administration. And indeed, we had some disconnects in the past that prevented us from holding hearings on perhaps as many judges as we would have liked. That having been said, I am pleased that Senator Leahy and I have worked out some of the kinks in the process and have worked together to ensure that qualified nominees are confirmed. Similarly, I am happy to report that I have worked over the last few months with White House Counsel Chuck Ruff to ensure that the nomination and confirmation process is a collaborative one between the White House and members of the Senate. I think it's fair to say that after a few bumpy months in which the process suffered due to inadequate consultation between the White House and some Senators, the process is now working rather smoothly. I think the progress is due to the White House's renewed commitment to good faith consultation with Senators of both parties. I also want to compliment Senator Leahy for his willingness to work with me to get hearings scheduled for nominees.”