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Statement by President Obama on Republican Filibuster of Caitlin Halligan
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 06, 2013
Statement by the President on Republican Filibuster of Caitlin Halligan
I am deeply disappointed that despite support from a majority of the United States Senate, a minority of Senators continues to block the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Nearly two and a half years after being nominated, Ms. Halligan continues to wait for a simple up-or-down vote. In the past, filibusters of judicial nominations required “extraordinary circumstances,” and a Republican Senator who was part of this agreement articulated that only an ethics or qualification issue – not ideology – would qualify. Ms. Halligan has always practiced law with the highest ethical ideals, and her qualifications are beyond question. Furthermore, her career in public service and as a law enforcement lawyer, serving the citizens of New York, is well within the mainstream.
Today’s vote continues the Republican pattern of obstruction. My judicial nominees wait more than three times as long on the Senate floor to receive a vote than my predecessor’s nominees. The effects of this obstruction take the heaviest toll on the D.C. Circuit, considered the Nation’s second-highest court, which now has only seven active judges and four vacancies. Until last month, for more than forty years, the court has always had at least eight active judges and as many as twelve. A majority of the Senate agrees that Ms. Halligan is exactly the kind of person who should serve on this court, and I urge Senate Republicans to allow the Senate to express its will and to confirm Ms. Halligan without further delay.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/06/statement-president-republican-filibuster-caitlin-halligan
12 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
That Reid can muster the votes needed. Looking at the vote tally, there should be enough to get her through. If not, then DSCC will have one hell of argument against any incumbent Republican Senator and definitely any Democratic challenger in 2014.
On a side note, this is where I am baffled by the GOP... Not allowing Halligan's nomination to proceed is just plain foolish. They are going to get hammered for this in the next 3 Senatorial election cycles. 
While I am genuinely surprised and disappointed, if she does not eventually get confirmed, we are going to rail against them for 6 years for it. 
Regarding Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) he is listed as not voting on March 4th, March 5th, March 6th, and March 7th - maybe he is out sick with the flu or something.
Regarding Sen Lisa Murkowski - This is the first time I've ever seen her be the 'only' republican voting with the Dems - usually anytime that Murkowski votes yes Susan Collins usually does also but not this time.
I haven't a clue about the others - could be they are sick or missed the voted due to other problems.
Until you put some teeth behind the rhetoric, they're going to keep stepping on your face, Mr. Prez.
