Confirmation Hearing on Federal Appointments: Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress

Original publisher: Washington: U.S. G.P.O.: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 2003-. LC Number: KF26 .J8 2003c OCLC Number: ocm53298279 ... Show synopsis Original publisher: Washington: U.S. G.P.O.: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 2003-. LC Number: KF26 .J8 2003c OCLC Number: ocm53298279 Subject: Judges -- Selection and appointment -- United States. Excerpt: ... 7 ATCH Chairman H. Let me turn to the Ranking Member for his remarks. [ The prepared statement of Chairman Hatch appears as a sub-mission for the record. ] STATEMENT OF HON. PATRICK J. LEAHY, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF VERMONT Senator L. I think it was a wise thing to do. As I said, when EAHY I walked by there, there appeared to be plenty of room. I am won-dering, Mr. Chairman, I am wondering if we are going to be mov-ing down there anyway, and Senator Warner and Senator Hutch-inson, I would just as soon withhold my statement until we go down there, as a courtesy to Senator Warner and Senator Hutchison, and if Senator Voinovich comes, if they want to give their statement here, and then I will give my opening statement down there. Chairman H. I would prefer for you to give your opening ATCH statement, and then we will hear from the two Senators. EAHY Senator L. Happy to do that, Mr. Chairman. I tried. Chairman H. I think my colleagues understand. ATCH Senator L. I know they are anxious to hear my statement EAHY anyway. Chairman H. Well, I am certainly anxious to hear it. ATCH Senator L. Following the Chairman's example, it will be a EAHY little bit lengthy. We meet in an extraordinary session to consider six important nominees for lifetime appointments to the Federal Bench. During the last 4 years of the Clinton administration this Committee re-fused to hold hearings and Committee votes on qualified nominees to the D.C. Circuit and the Sixth Circuit. Today, in very sharp con-trast, the Committee is being required to proceed on three con-troversial nominations to those same circuit courts and do it simul-taneously. Many see this as part of a concerted and partisan effort to pack the courts and tilt them sharply out of bala... Hide synopsis