Tuesday, June 07, 2005

5:36 Senate Recesses The Senate adjourned after a speech by Senator Lindsey Graham, where he called for a return of civility in the judicial nominations debate.  The senator noted that some members have used language to describe Justice Brown that they would not dream of using against their political enemies.  Senator Graham said to his colleagues, that come tomorrow, Justice Brown will be confirmed, and members need to come to terms with that fact.  Justice Brown's nomination is the second nominee to be considered after a bipartisan agreement was reached prior to the Memorial Day recess to avoid the nuclear option being invoked by Senator Frist.  Debate will resume tomorrow morning and continue until a final confirmation vote on her nomination occurs at 5:00 pm.  Immediately following the vote on Justice Brown, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of William Pryor, Jr. of Alabama to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit 5:36:33 PM

5:09 Senator Brownback on Justice Brown Senator Brownback has returned to the floor to make a second statement on Justice Brown's nomination, refuting charges made by Senator Dorgan and others earlier today.  There has been consistent back and forth between members on both sides of the aisle regarding her nomination.  Much of the debate has been based on some controversial statements that Justice Brown has made, including one statement where she said that seniors likely cannibalize their grandchildren because they have a right to get as much free stuff as the legislative system allows.  Some senators have cited this statement as one way in which Justice Brown advocated for the dismantling of the New Deal programs.  5:09:52 PM

3:04 Nomination of Janice Rogers Brown This afternoon the Senate is debating the nomination of Janice Rogers Brown of California, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the D.C. Circuit.  Earlier today the Senate voted to invoke cloture, and end debate on her nomination, with a vote of 65-32.  A vote on her nomination is expected at 5:00 tomorrow.  Senators of both parties have spoken on the nomination, including Senator Kennedy, who is currently voicing his opposition.  He noted that it is not just Democrats that are concerned about Justice Brown and that in confirming judicial nominations, the Senate must ensure that nominees will uphold the rule of law, and because of her record on civil rights, Senators should vote against the nomination. 3:05:02 PM