Political Quotes

“I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, I was disappointed that before the August recess, the Senate was not allowed to take greater steps to address the serious judicial vacancies crisis on Federal courts around the country. As we resume consideration of pending judicial nominations, there are 20 nominees fully considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee and ready for final Senate action. Of those, 16 were approved by the Judiciary Committee unanimously, without a single Republican or Democratic Senator in opposition. The nomination of Judge Bernice Donald of Tennessee is one such nomination. This is a nomination that has been waiting for Senate consideration, despite the support of her Republican home State Senators, since May 9. Nearly 4 months ago, the Judiciary Committee favorably reported her nomination without opposition. This is reminiscent of the nomination of Jane Stranch of Tennessee. She, too, had the support of her Republican home State Senators, but her confirmation was nonetheless stalled--inexplicably--by Senate Republicans. Judge Stranch was finally confirmed in September 2010, after an extended and unnecessary 10-month delay. These Tennessee nominations were the subject of a column by Professor Carl Tobias in early August, which I inserted in the Record on August 2. I, too, had hoped the Senate would be allowed to vote on this nomination last month. I am glad that we finally have agreement for a vote tonight.…”