Date: 2005-05-23
Speaker: TRENT LOTT (republican)
Chamber: S

moved for cloture to dented. unhistorical action of filibusgive them an upordown vote. I voted tering judicial nominees. to give Berzon and Paez an upordown So it was out of that that we had the vote. and we did that. We invoked clo- agreement that was reached today. ture. brought them up. The Republican With that constitutional option hangmajority brought up the Clinton nomi- ing over the heads of a number of peonees. and we voted them up. They were ple. a serious reconsideration took both confirmed. and they are both on place. I think a number of Senators on the bench today. the other side have been uneasy about Our record was one that rejected filibusters. Now. what happened after all this filibuster. They have not felt comof this occurred? It was a huge alter- fortable with it. but it was leadershipation of the Senates tradition and. I led and difficult. apparently. for them think. the constitutional intent. I to no go along. Although. I have to think the Constitution is clear that a note that Senator Zell Miller and BEN majority is what we were looking for. NELSON consistently opposed it and So we were faced with a difficult deci- supported the Republican nominees sion of what to do and how to handle it. each and every time as they came forI compliment Senator BILL FRIST. ward. the majority leader of the Senate. He So out of all of this. we have reached systematically raised this issue with an accord tonight. It has led to what the leadership on the otl~er side. He appears to be a guarantee that three provided every opportunity to debate nominees. at leastPriscilla Owen. these nominees so that nobody could Janice Rogers Brown. and William say they didnt have a full opportunity Pryor. who is sitting now as a recess to debate. He researched the history of appointee on the Eleventh Circuitwill the Senate. and he presented positions get an upordown vote. I believe all on it and why the filibuster on judicial three of them will. and should be. nominees was against our history. He rightfully. confirmed as members of urged us to reach an accord and com- the court of appeals of the United promise. All we heard was no. no. no. States of America. They will serve you are giving a warm kiss to the far with great distinction: I am sorry we right. you are taking steps that are ex- dont have that same confidence that treme. you are approving extreme Judge Saad or Judge Myers will also nominees. people who should not be on get a vote. They may or may not. apthe bench. and we are not going to parently. But we dont have the same compromise and we are not going to confidence from this agreement that talk to you. . they. will. I think they deserve an upAfter considerable effort and deter- ordown yote also. But todays agreerination and commitment to prin- ment was a big step forward. Maybe we can go forward now and set aside some of the things of the past. and we will see Members of the other side adhere to the view of those who signed the agreement that a filibuster should not be executed except under extraordinary circumstances. Certainly. that is contrary to the position that they were taking a few months ago and certainly the position being taken last year. So progress has been made. I salute particularly the majority leader who I believe. through his leadership and consistency. led to this result today. I am thrilled for Judge Pryor and his family because I know him. I respect him. and I know he will be a great judge. I am excited for his future. Mr. President. seeing no other Senator here. I yield the floor.