Sen. Frist Offers Constitutional Proposal

May 23, 2011

2 min read

I am pleased that Senator Frist took to the floor of the Senate this afternoon and made an important proposal. His proposal simply does what the constitution requires. After debate on a judicial nominee (up to 100 hours for each nominee) the nomination goes to the full Senate for a floor vote. Senators can either vote "for" a nominee or "against" a nominee. It is that approach that represents fair treatment for the judicial nominees.

I believe that Senator Frist's proposal represents an imminently reasonable and constitutionally sound approach to break the gridlock over judicial nominees. The use of a filibuster to prevent consideration of judicial nominees is not only wrong but reflects a stridently unfair treatment of nominees. No one wants to eliminate debate concerning nominees but every nominee deserves an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. Thats exactly what Senator Frist is proposing and we believe this represents a workable resolution to this impasse over judicial nominees.

I am also very pleased to report that our petition to end judicial filibusters is now approaching 35,000 names - a remarkable effort in a little more than two weeks. If you haven't yet signed on please take a moment to do so. Add your name right now. As the Senate prepares for its spring recess, I want to continue gathering thousands of names to let the leadership know that tens of thousands don't want the filibuster used against judicial nominees. It's time to eliminate that obstructionist tactic.