Donnelly: Considering Supreme Court Nominees Part of Senators’ Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly spoke on the floor of the Senate calling on the Senate to do its job when it comes to filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court.

In his speech, Donnelly said, “…Senators, using our best judgement, are free to ultimately reject whomever the President nominates, but to refuse to hold a hearing, to refuse to consider any candidate…before the President has even chosen a nominee is a dereliction of duty, of our most basic duty to faithfully serve our country.

“Some of my colleagues have been steadfast in promising they would not meet with a nominee, let alone hold a hearing, or allow a vote…Common sense tells you that’s not right. I hope they will reconsider their position. United States Senators, myself included, were elected to do a job…not only when it’s convenient but every day. Every day we’ve been hired by the people back home to work here and stand up for our country. That job includes considering and voting on nominees to the Supreme Court. Let’s do what we were elected to do.”

Last month, Donnelly wrote an op-ed calling on the Senate to do its job and give full and fair consideration to whomever the President nominates.

To watch Senator Donnelly’s speech click HERE.