Orrin Hatch: “I personally thank the distinguished chairman the Judiciary Committee for doing the job he is doing on district court…”

“I personally thank the distinguished chairman the Judiciary Committee for doing the job he is doing on district court nominees. The problem here is not just reporting nominees--although we think more should be approved--it is 31 circuit court vacancies. A number of them are judicial emergencies, as defined by the Administrative Office of the Courts. But I have listened to my colleague's comments about holding hearings when Senators have asked him to do so. I have been patient for many months, but I do believe I have to say this today. I am Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. It was just there 2 days ago when one of my judges was given a hearing, Professor Paul Cassell. His nomination had been pending since June of last year. I don't understand waiting this long. And the second judge nominated for a spot in my home state of Utah, Michael McConnell, has not had a hearing even though I have been promised one. I have requested at least 15 times for these two to get hearings, to be marked up in committee, and to be brought to the floor. Michael McConnell's nomination probably enjoys the widest and most vociferous support of legal scholars from all across the political spectrum--Democrats and Republicans of any currently pending nominee. I would like to have the courtesy extended to me that I extended to the distinguished Chairman when he was the Ranking Member.”