Political Quotes

“last night we finally broke through the stall and the Senate confirmed the nomination of Merrick Garland to be a judge on the United States Court of appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. During that extended debate on a nomination that had been delayed too long, I urged the Republican leadership to take up the nomination of Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. I am encouraged that those who schedule matters in the Senate have heard our plea and are finally willing to consider this nomination, as well. When we confirm Judge Kollar-Kotelly, we as a Senate will literally double the number of judges we have confirmed this year--from one to two. Unfortunately, there will still be 68 vacancies on the district courts around the country and a record 24 vacancies on the Federal courts of appeals. Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's nomination was first received from the President in March 1996 and was previously reported to the Senate in September 1996. This nomination was not acted upon before the adjournment of the 104th Congress. She was renominated on the first day of this Congress. her nomination was re-reported again without a single dissent from the Judiciary Committee 2 weeks ago. During that time there has been an anonymous Republican with an unspecified concern that has prevented this nomination from being considered. In other words, there is an unspecified hold.…”