Whereas judicial nominations have long been the subject of
controversy and delay in the United States Senate, particularly over the last
twenty years;
Whereas, in the past, the controversy over judicial
nominees has occurred regardless of which political parties controlled the
White House and the Senate; and
Whereas, in the current Congress the controversy over
judicial nominees continues: Now, therefore, be it
1.Protocol for nonpartisan
confirmation of judicial nominees
(a)
(1)The Chairman of the Committee on the
Judiciary, in collaboration with the Ranking Member, shall—
(A)establish a timetable for hearings for
nominees to the United States district courts, courts of appeals, and Supreme
Court, to occur within 30 days after the names of such nominees have been
submitted to the Senate by the President; and
(B)establish a timetable for action by
the full Committee to occur within 30 days after the hearings, and for
reporting out nominees to the full Senate.
(2)The
majority leader shall establish a timetable for action by the full Senate to
occur within 30 days after the Committee on the Judiciary has reported out the
nominations.
(b)
(1)The Chairman of the Committee on the
Judiiciary, with notice to the Ranking Member, may extend by a period not to
exceed 30 days, the time for action by the Committee for cause, such as the
need for more investigation or additional hearings.
(2)
(A)The majority leader, with notice to the
minority leader, may extend by a period not to exceed 30 days, the time for
floor action for cause, such as the need for more investigation or additional
hearings.
(B)Any day
of a recess period of the Senate shall not be included in the extension period
described under subparagraph (A).