Political Quotes

“in the aftermath of the November election returns, there was talk on all sides about working together. We can do so right now, without further delay, and in the interests of the American people. As of today there are more than 100 vacancies on the Federal courts around the country, 50 of them for vacancies deemed judicial emergencies by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The Senate has ready for consideration and confirmation 23 judicial nominees of the President, all of whom have had hearings before the Judiciary Committee and have been reported favorably to the Senate by a majority of that committee. Sixteen of these judicial nominees were reported unanimously. The Senate can confirm those 16 nominees today, and we can then schedule such debate as needed on the remaining seven. Our working together to do so would send the right message to the American people. Let's work together and approve these nominations without additional delay. Let's end the gridlock. Let's move forward. As the Senate recessed for the elections, we were not allowed to consider and confirm any of the 23 judicial nominations pending on the Senate Executive Calendar--this despite the judicial vacancies crisis in our Federal courts. As of today there are 108 current judicial vacancies. We already know of 20 future vacancies.”