GOP eyes 'shutdown' of Senate over judges (Southwick postponed) [View All]

[maddezmom]

Source: Wash Times

June 8, 2007


Republican leaders yesterday threatened a "total shutdown" of Senate business if Democrats keep holding up President Bush's appointments to the federal bench.

"It could cause major meltdown," Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott, Mississippi Republican, said after Democrats postponed a committee vote on the nomination of Leslie H. Southwick to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

Mr. Lott said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, was "very mad" about judicial appointments and could bring the narrowly divided chamber to a standstill if Democrats don't speed up the confirmation process.

"It could be total shutdown here pretty soon."

Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican and member of the Judiciary Committee, said the delay on Mr. Southwick, a former Mississippi state appellate judge, was par for the course.



Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070607-113730-6432r.htm