Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee lashed out at Chairman Dick Durbin Thursday after he ruled out a third debate on President Biden’s two judicial nominees, prompting a senior GOP lawmaker to say Durbin “just destroyed one of the most important committees in the United States Senate.” “
During the roll call vote, Republican senators warned that Durbin’s ouster would be remembered.
“You will have many consequences to come if you go this way. I have warned many of you,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) told his fellow Democrats.
Durbin briefly defended his insistence on a call vote on the nominee, arguing that the GOP has already had two chances to weigh in on the choice.
“You told us to be quiet? Do you want us to shut up?” angry Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
Members of the position of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), usually the committee’s most collegial member, pleaded with Durbin that his fellow Republicans had not had time to talk about the nominee and “wanted to tell you again why this nominee is terrible.”
Dick Durbin kept quiet and sometimes told Republicans that a roll call was underway. C-SPAN
Durbin largely ignored Republicans as their anger grew.
“Is it your plan to end all debate? Do you have the answers or are you going to rely on someone whispering in your ear?” asked Cotton.
“I don’t think Senator Durbin will allow women to speak either. I think that’s sacrosanct in your party,” Cotton admonished at one point after Blackburn refused to answer calls.
Good-natured John Cornyn usually lets go of Dick Durbin. CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
Eventually, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) lost patience with Durbin.
“Mr. Chairman, you have just destroyed one of the most important committees in the United States Senate,” he said.
“You have set a precedent that will repeat itself every time one side or the other takes advantage and takes the low road – it sets a precedent that will then become the norm. Congratulations on destroying the United States Senate Judiciary Committee.”
Tom Cotton warns that what goes around comes around. CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
Thursday’s meeting was expected to be contentious after Durbin teased plans to issue subpoenas to Dallas-based real estate guru and GOP donor Harlan Crow, and Federal Association co-chair Leonard Leo.
Both Crow and Leo are at the center of the ethics storm surrounding the Supreme Court, centered on Crow’s lavish travel gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas and Leo’s assistance to former President Donald Trump in selecting his three nominees.
“I’m only asking for subpoenas for two people who have refused to comply with this committee’s surveillance requests for months,” Durbin explained before the hearing, complaining that Republicans had prepared dozens of amendments to the subpoena’s request.
Lindsey Graham has helped Democrats through less partisan elections in the past. But on Thursday, he was outraged by what Dick Durbin did. CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
A spokeswoman for Durbin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Democrats have approved Biden’s judicial picks at a rapid clip. Earlier this month, the president secured the 150th judicial confirmation of his administration.
By comparison, former President Donald Trump managed to lock down 234 judicial appointments during his four years in office.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
