This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
In interviews with nearly a dozen Republicans senators, a consistent theme emerged around the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court: Republican lawmakers won’t even examine his nearly two-decade history on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on environmental (or any other) issues.
They say opening that track record to scrutiny would make the nomination process about the individual. Republicans want the focus to remain on their refusal to consider Garland based on their broader point that no president should pick a Supreme Court justice during a presidential election year.
Here’s what some said:
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.): “The president could nominate George W. Bush and I'd still say the same thing: We're not going to confirm him. It has nothing to do with the individual. I'm very careful not to even consider [Garland's background], because that isn't the issue. All that does is let you guys think that this has to do with the person, and it doesn't.”
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.): “I'm not sure anything about his record gives me any pause, because we're not going to consider him. We're not going to hold hearings, we're not going to vote on him, so all that stuff—which I know everyone is going to want to bat around—is really irrelevant.”
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.): “It's not about the person, it's about the principle.”
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.): “I haven’t looked at his record. If he’s re-nominated next year, I will consider that.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.): “I will meet with him, I don’t have a problem with that. But I don’t have any intention of moving on any candidate regardless of who it is, so the issue isn’t really who he is or what he believes and the background. It’s that this is not the right time.”
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): “It doesn’t matter who the nominee is.”
Democrats will continue to hold the Republicans’ feet to the fire over what they describe as unprecedented obstruction.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii): “Their message is preposterous. They’re saying we don’t want to get the merits of him because we’re afraid we might like him. What they are really deathly afraid of is that Judge Garland will get a hearing and perform well…So we can’t get to the substance right now because they are refusing to act like senators.”
Bloomberg BNA reporters Dean Scott and Anthony Adragna reported the story for subscribers.
Earlier, Bloomberg BNA reporter Rebecca Wilhelm looked into Garland’s record as a circuit court judge and found that he has typically been deferential to EPA regulations.
All Bloomberg BNA treatises are available on standing order, which ensures you will always receive the most current edition of the book or supplement of the title you have ordered from Bloomberg BNA’s book division. As soon as a new supplement or edition is published (usually annually) for a title you’ve previously purchased and requested to be placed on standing order, we’ll ship it to you to review for 30 days without any obligation. During this period, you can either (a) honor the invoice and receive a 5% discount (in addition to any other discounts you may qualify for) off the then-current price of the update, plus shipping and handling or (b) return the book(s), in which case, your invoice will be cancelled upon receipt of the book(s). Call us for a prepaid UPS label for your return. It’s as simple and easy as that. Most importantly, standing orders mean you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you’re relying on. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.960.1220 or by sending an email to books@bna.com.
Put me on standing order at a 5% discount off list price of all future updates, in addition to any other discounts I may quality for. (Returnable within 30 days.)
Notify me when updates are available (No standing order will be created).
This Bloomberg BNA report is available on standing order, which ensures you will all receive the latest edition. This report is updated annually and we will send you the latest edition once it has been published. By signing up for standing order you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you need. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.372.1033, option 5, or by sending us an email to research@bna.com.
Put me on standing order
Notify me when new releases are available (no standing order will be created)