[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8520-S8521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             STATEMENT ON THE NOMINATION OF ARTHUR GAJARSA

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am delighted that the Majority Leader has 
decided to take up the nomination of Arthur Gajarsa to be a United 
States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Mr. Gajarsa is a well-
qualified nominee.
  The Judiciary Committee unanimously reported his nomination to the 
Senate on May 22, 1997. The Federal Circuit desperately needs Arthur 
Gajarsa to help manage its growing backlog of cases.

[[Page S8521]]

  We first received Arthur Gajarsa's nomination in April 1996. He was 
accorded a hearing in the last Congress on June 25, 1996, and was 
unanimously reported by Judiciary Committee to the full Senate 2 days 
later. Unfortunately, his nomination was never acted upon because of 
the Presidential election year shutdown of judicial confirmations in 
1996.
  The President renominated Arthur Gajarsa on the first day of this 
Congress for the same vacancy on the Federal Circuit, which vacancy has 
existed since November 1995. This vacancy has persisted for more than 
1\1/2\ years. He has the support of both Senators from Maryland. He had 
a confirmation hearing on May 7 and the Committee considered and 
unanimously reported his nomination to the Senate 2 weeks later. This 
nomination has been pending on the Senate Calendar since May 22. 
Apparently, after these 2 months on the Senate Executive Calendar 
without action or any explanation for its inaction, the Republican 
leadership is prepared to allow the Senate to approve this nomination.
  I am delighted for Mr. Gajarsa and his family that he is finally 
being confirmed. He will make a fine judge.

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