Patrick Leahy: “These individuals were the selections of the White House without consultation with the Democratic leader or with me or…”

“These individuals were the selections of the White House without consultation with the Democratic leader or with me or other Democratic Senators interested in these matters. We have proceeded on the President's nominees expeditiously and in good faith trusting that the White House will follow through expeditiously to nominate those members to the U.S. Parole Commission that the Democratic leader is recommending to fill the seats allocated to Democrats on what should be a bipartisan commission. This President has too often in the past proceeded unilaterally on what have traditionally been bipartisan boards and commissions. Last year the White House caused significant problems for all nominations when it failed to follow through in a timely way on a commitment made to Senator McCain. That led to objections and cloture votes being required on a series of the President's judicial nominations and unnecessary delays with respect to both judicial and executive nominations because of objections from the Republican side. With respect to all nominations, I urge the President to begin to work with us.”