It is usually difficult to discern the meaning of a national election, and 2020 is no exception. It was a defeat for Donald Trump but a victory for the Republican Party, which turned back most challenges to incumbent senators, fought off Democratic efforts to flip state legislatures, and made gains in the House. The American …
Burt Cohen argues that No Labels speaks for only the Republican party and describes it as a “shadowy group” made up of a “lobbyist-driven, rich-people-coddling set of proposals” (“‘No Labels’ no good for Democrats,” Aug. 24-Sept. 6 NHBR). Mr. Cohen’s comments could not be further from the truth. At every level, No Labels is a …
On Monday, the Senate confirmed Paul Watford’s nomination to the 7th seat on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The nomination seemed vulnerable to a filibuster but eventually succeeded by a vote of 61-34. Yet Watford’s confirmation is unfortunately the exception that proves the rule. The 5th seat on that same court has been vacant …
Judicial nominees continue to languish in the Senate Read More »
The Hill Earlier this month, President Obama used his recess-appointment power to install Richard Cordray as the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and to place three members on the National Labor Relations Board. It should not have come to this. The Senate is supposed to “advise and consent” on all presidential nominees. But …
TIME FOR UP-OR-DOWN VOTES IN SENATE ON APPOINTEES Read More »
George Washington once referred to the Senate as the “saucer that cools the tea” — his characterization of a body designed to temper the “hot” legislation passed in the House of Representatives. The framers saw the House as too accommodating of the people’s whims, so they erected what James Madison called a “necessary fence” against …
