On the recordDecember 2, 2010
Mr. Cole's nomination has been pending on the Executive Calendar for 4 months, since it was reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee in July. I have a hard time remembering any time, in either a Democratic or Republican administration, that the Deputy Attorney General has been held up like this. Those Republican Senators who continue to block us from considering this well-qualified nominee should come forward and explain why they feel it is justified to continue to leave America without a crucial resource we need to combat terrorism and to keep the country safe. Instead of doing this anonymously, the Senators ought to step forward and say why we cannot confirm this Deputy Attorney General, the No. 2 law enforcement position for the whole United States of America. Today, I will seek unanimous consent for a time agreement to debate this nomination and finally have a vote in the full Senate.
