Patrick Leahy: “just a couple of weeks ago, I commented in the Congressional Record on the Senate majority's poor record in acting on…”

“just a couple of weeks ago, I commented in the Congressional Record on the Senate majority's poor record in acting on judicial nominees, especially noting those judicial nominees who are either minorities or women. I included a recent letter from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which calls upon the Senate Republican leadership to allow votes on the Latino judicial nominees who have languished in the Senate for far too long. I have also spoken often about the crisis in the second circuit and the need for the Senate to move forward to confirm the nominees to that court who are pending on the calendar. Judge Sonia Sotomayor is just such a qualified nominee, and she is one being held up by the Republican majority, apparently because some on the other side of the aisle believe she might one day be considered by President Clinton for nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, should a vacancy arise. Last week, a lead editorial in the Wall Street Journal discussed this secret basis for the Republican hold against this fine judge. The Journal reveals that these delays are intended to ensure that Sonia Sotomayor not be nominated to the Supreme Court, although it is hard to figure out just how that is logical or sensible. In fact, how disturbing, how petty, and how shameful: Trying to disqualify an outstanding Hispanic woman judge by an anonymous hold. I have far more respect for Senators who, for whatever reason, wish to vote against her. Stand up; vote against her.…”