Senate Republican Support of Obama's Supreme Court Nomination

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to urge the Senate Republicans to consider President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. It is disappointing that our democratic process is being so unduly hindered by Senate Republicans who refuse to carry out their basic duties clearly laid out for them in the Constitution. The Constitution clearly informs us that the President has the power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to nominate a successor for open seats in the Supreme Court. The message for Senate Republicans is simple--let the President do his job. It is time to put aside partisan issues and get back to the basics of governing. In previous years, Supreme Court nominations have been at least considered during an election year; six times in our U.S. history to be exact. So I ask, why change now? If Senate Republicans fail to consider the President's Supreme Court nominee during the current election year, this will be the first time in U.S. history that our Supreme Court will have a vacancy for well over a year. There is simply no legitimate rationale for not giving consideration to the President's nominee once announced. There is an ample amount of time available for the Senate to consider the President's nominee. The Supreme Court vacancy is a priority that deserves an unbiased hearing and timely vote. Justice and democracy are at stake and there is no time for this kind of divisiveness. Republican Senators have a constitutional obligation to put away partisan issues and fill this vacancy. Senate Republicans, I strongly urge you to fulfil your constitutional duty and consider President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court Justice.

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