ConfirmThem

By AndrewHyman Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio added some interesting clarification yesterday (May 23), according to the New York Times:

"If an individual senator believes in the future that a filibuster is taking place under something that's not extraordinary circumstances, we, of course, reserve the right to do what we could have done tomorrow," said Senator Mike DeWine, Republican of Ohio, another lawmaker instrumental in the compromise.

I hope that every time a nomination is filibustered to death in the future, Senators DeWine and Graham will be required to explain why they think "extraordinary circumstances" exist. That includes for Myers, Kavanaugh and also for Miguel Estrada (if and when he's nominated for the Supreme Court).

Also, Senator Graham needs to go on record as agreeing with DeWine's clarification.

UPDATE: Senator Graham speaking on May 24, said as follows on the Senate floor:

If one of the seven decides to filibuster --- and I believe it's not an extraordinary circumstance for the country, for the process, then I’ve retained my rights under this agreement to change the rules if I think that's best for the country. That's only fair.