Patrick Leahy: “this week, as we celebrate our Constitution's 218th anniversary, we are nearing the exercise of one of the Senate's most…”

“this week, as we celebrate our Constitution's 218th anniversary, we are nearing the exercise of one of the Senate's most solemn constitutional requirements and responsibilities. Few decisions the Senate faces are as consequential and enduring as when the Senate decides whether to confirm, by giving its consent, the nomination of a justice--of course, even more so when the nomination is for Chief Justice of the United States. The Supreme Court is different from the lower courts. The Supreme Court is the only Federal court required by the Constitution itself. Actually, the Chief Justice is the only member of the Court expressly named in the Constitution. All other courts are bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court. Its decisions are final. They are unappealable. Only the Supreme Court can modify or overrule its precedents. Its power is enormous. The role of the Chief Justice is to lead not only that all-powerful Court but the entire third branch of Government. We have had 43 Presidents in this country, but we have had only 16 Chief Justices--all appointed for life. The distinguished senior Senator from West Virginia, Mr. Byrd, whose passionate advocacy established our Constitution Day commemoration, describes the Constitution very accurately as the soul of our Nation. The Senate's advice and consent responsibilities are at the core of this body's vital role in our Republic.…”