Patrick Leahy: “I wish he had been here for debate about the impending war with Iraq. We are probably the only parliamentary body in the…”

“I wish he had been here for debate about the impending war with Iraq. We are probably the only parliamentary body in the democratic world that has not had a major debate during the past few weeks on Iraq and the war. Or he might have been here for debate on terrorism or homeland defense or the need for action to stimulate the economy and improve the lives of the millions of Americans who have lost jobs over the last 2 years. Actually, there are more Americans losing jobs in a 2-year period than I think has occurred since I have been old enough to vote. Or the Senate might have been acting on a prescription drug benefit for seniors. Apparently, we are not here to have that debate today nor did the majority schedule debate in the Senate on Tuesday on those important matters. Instead, we are here to hear again the arguments about Mr. Estrada. But not much has changed since last week or since this Tuesday. The administration's obstinacy continues to impede Senate consideration of this nomination.”