[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 122 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    GOVERNOR WELD DESERVES A HEARING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Leach] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, while the House of Representatives does not 
have a role in the process of confirming individuals to high-level 
Government positions, I feel compelled to object today to Senate 
intransigence with regard to a particular nomination, both because of 
the significance of the nomination itself and because of the reflection 
it casts on Senate procedures and American politics.
  First, with regard to the individual involved, it should be stressed 
that the President of the United States has designated a superbly 
qualified former Governor to be our Ambassador to Mexico. Bill Weld 
stands out for his integrity, his intelligence, and his distinguished 
public service. In selecting a Republican, the President has wisely 
determined to act in a bipartisan fashion. He is to be congratulated.
  The irony that a Senate controlled by the same political party as a 
nominee has not even given Governor Weld the courtesy of a public 
hearing reveals an intolerant aspect of public discourse today. It is 
an embarrassment to the Republican Party and to the Congress.
  In addition, the capacity of a single U.S. Senator to prevent a 
nomination from being considered underscores the need for the Senate to 
reform itself.
  The Constitution posits within the Senate the power to confirm. The 
Founding Fathers carefully and prudently crafted this provision to 
ensure that highly qualified persons would occupy high offices. They 
did not devolve this power over nominations by the President to an 
individual Senator. Presidents, under the Constitution, are provided 
veto authority over legislation. Individual Senators were never 
provided such authority over nominations.
  Indeed, the American Revolution was premised on the notion that 
democratic decisionmaking involving institutional checks and balances 
was preferable to kingly dictates and capricious decisions of a landed 
nobility. Governor Weld deserves a hearing. Senate procedures demand 
reform. The Constitution requires respect.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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