Printer-Friendly Version

Page 2 of 2

In his final comment before debate began, Reid said Democrats are following the rules: "While it's good to talk about this up or down vote, the fact is to move forward as contemplated by the majority, is moving toward breaking the rules, to change the rules, that's improper -- it will change the Senate forever, and that's not good."

'Consensus nominee'

Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) wondered if Republican leaders are aware that there are now about 30 vacancies on the federal bench for which President Bush has not yet made a nomination.

"If he would work with Senators of both parties to identify qualified consensus nominees for each of these spots, the vacancy numbers on our courts could be lowered even further."

Kennedy said Democrat offers to work with President Bush on future nominations have met no response.

Under the Constitution, decisions on who to nominate rest with the president alone. After the president makes a nomination, then it's up to the Senate to accept or reject that nomination. Some Republicans bristle at the notion that President Bush or any president should confer with the Senate to produce a "consensus" nominee.

Debate begins

The first hour of debate began with Sen. Frist rising for the principle that "judicial nominees with the support of the majority of senators deserve up-or-down votes on this floor.

"Debate the nominee for five hours, debate the nominee for 80 hours, vote for the nominee, vote against the nominee, confirm the nominee, reject the nominee, but in the end - vote," he said.

Frist said the debate will discuss both Priscilla Owen and Janice Rogers Brown, and he also expects it to include Senate rules and procedures.

"No doubt this will be a spirited debate, as it should be. And I also hope it will be a decisive debate," Frist said.

>> Back -- Page 1 2

Copyright © 1998-2005 CNSNews.com - Cybercast News Service