Orrin Hatch

“ At some point, the Senate must do its sworn duty and vote up or down on judicial nominations. That is just right. It is the right thing to do.
The time for action is quickly coming upon us. Some believe that point has already passed. To do otherwise is unfair to this institution, unfair to the nominees, unfair to the President, and, most importantly, unfair to the American public who entrusted us with the responsibility to conduct the public business.
Madam President, we can and should do a better job of considering judicial nominees on the Senate floor. ”

“ Every Senator has his or her view on how that responsibility is to be exercised with respect to acting on judicial nominees. In my view, the Constitution requires the Senate provide its advice and consent regarding the judicial nominees. ”

“ As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I have a special role in working with the leadership in seeing the nominees, once reported from the committee, are brought up for floor action. Vote up or down, but just vote. Every judicial nominee who reaches the Senate floor is entitled to an up-or-down vote. ”