Sen. Landrieu Urges Against Filibuster of Alito Nomination
Says we "cannot afford to bring the Senate to a halt at a time when we need its action the most."
January 25, 2006
| HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? |
|
To learn more about the Supreme Court, please visit these sites: |
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., released the following statement today regarding the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to succeed Sandra Day O'Connor as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Sen. Landrieu is a member of the so-called "Gang of 14," a bipartisan group of Senators who last spring brokered a compromise to permit a floor vote on contentious judicial nominees while allowing the Senate to move on to other matters important to Louisiana voters and the nation.
Sen. Landrieu said:
"Because we have such a full plate of pressing issues before Congress, a filibuster at this time would be, in my view, very counterproductive. It is imperative that we remain focused on creating the tools New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast will need to rebuild. This includes passing the Baker bill and allowing our state to keep its fair share of offshore energy revenues. We simply cannot afford to bring the Senate to a halt at a time when we need its action the most. If called to vote for cloture on Judge Alito's nomination, I will vote yes.
"I will continue to consult with constituents, groups, organizations and colleagues to decide on my final vote. I do think it is important that we have an up or down vote."