Herb Kohl: “I rise today to explain again my reasons for supporting a filibuster on the nomination of Miguel Estrada. At the outset…”

“I rise today to explain again my reasons for supporting a filibuster on the nomination of Miguel Estrada. At the outset, let me state that my opposition to bring his nomination to a vote is not a decision I have reached causally or without serious reflection. Our power to extend debate on a nomination should only be undertaken in extraordinary circumstances, when we have no other choice. We have reached that unfortunate state of affairs today. In the case of Mr. Estrada, we are presented with a nominee for a lifetime appointment to our Nation's second most powerful court. This nominee has refused to answer our questions regarding his views and judicial philosophy, and indeed has obstructed our efforts to evaluate his fitness to serve on the D.C. Circuit. His repeated evasions subvert our solemn constitutional duty to advise and consent to judicial nominations. We should not permit a vote on a judicial nominee who has so fundamentally attempted to obstruct our confirmation process in this way.”