Mr. President, 2 weeks ago, before the Thanksgiving Day recess, I urged Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to come together and take action to begin to end the vacancy crisis that is threatening our Federal courts. My call was not extreme nor radical nor partisan. I asked only that Senators follow the Golden Rule. Regrettably, that did not happen, and that is really too bad for the country. There are now 38 judicial nominees being delayed who could be confirmed before we adjourn--38 judicial nominees who have had their hearings and whose qualifications are well established. Two weeks ago, I asked the Republican leadership to treat President Obama's nominees as they would have those of a Republican President. I asked for nothing more than that we move forward together in the spirit that we teach our children from a young age by referring to a nearly universal rule of behavior that extends across most major religions and ethical behavior systems. I urged adherence to the Golden Rule as a way to look forward and make progress. I had hoped that we could remember our shared values. That simple step would help us return to our Senate traditions and allow the Senate to better fulfill its responsibilities to the American people and the Federal judiciary. Yesterday, I listened to my dear friend, the senior Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Dodd.…
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