Patrick Leahy: “I recall when times were different. I recall when charges were raised against Clarence Thomas and the Judiciary…”

“I recall when times were different. I recall when charges were raised against Clarence Thomas and the Judiciary Committee held several days of additional hearings after that nomination had already been reported by the Judiciary Committee to the full Senate. There was a tie vote in committee on the Thomas nomination, which would not have even been reported to the Senate had we not also voted virtually unanimously, with six Democrats joining seven Republicans, to report the Thomas nomination to the floor without recommendation. Of course, ultimately the nomination of Judge Thomas to become Justice Thomas was confirmed by the Senate. Over the last decade and one-half Republicans have pioneered and developed procedures whereby the Judiciary Committee has reported to the Senate for its consideration nominations on which the committee had come to a tie vote and even, in the case of Judge Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court, an overwhelmingly negative vote. I recall for example the nomination of Daniel Manion which was reported to the Senate after a tie vote and was ultimately approved by the Senate. I recall, as well, the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court which was reported after a tie vote and ultimately approved by the Senate. Time after time during the Reagan and Bush years the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee urged that the full Senate be permitted to decide these questions.”