Political Quotes

“It is difficult to envision a better qualified person for the Solicitor of Labor than Eugene Scalia. He is a nationally recognized expert in the field of employment and labor law. I sat through the hearings in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Some very penetrating questions were asked. Some excellent answers were given. A record was built. We know this is a man who will follow the direction that was given during his hearings and was intended by the nomination of the President of the United States, a person who is excellently qualified. In fact, there was no question of his qualifications. As Professor Cass Sunstein from the University of Chicago wrote in support of Mr. Scalia's nomination: In terms of sheer capacity to do a fine job, he's as good a choice as can be imagined. However, this exceptionally qualified nominee has not even been afforded a vote on his nomination. In the meantime, the absence of a Solicitor significantly harms the Department of Labor's operations as well as those who are protected by the Nation's labor laws. The Solicitor enforces the laws under the Department's jurisdiction and advises on the legality of the actions the Secretary and others at the Department want to take. Without this crucial position, the Department cannot effectively perform its important mission. I do not see any justifiable explanation for failing to bring the President's nominee for the Solicitor of Labor to the floor. He deserves a vote.”