[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 25 (Friday, March 8, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1697-S1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE NOMINATION OF JOE SCHMITZ

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Madam President, the final item I rise to 
discuss involves another nomination, but not for the judiciary. It is 
the nomination of Joe Schmitz. I have already submitted a statement for 
the Record, but I want to say this in the Chamber because I believe 
strongly in it.
  Joe Schmitz was nominated for the inspector general at the DOD. This 
is a position among the most important in the Department because the 
inspector general's office is responsible for ensuring accountability 
and efficiency, and therefore it is the heart of the integrity of the 
Pentagon.
  There have been numerous scandals in the IG's office in the recent 
past. Essentially, the inspector general's office has been rudderless 
without a confirmed nominee now for 3 years. With the IG's office in 
disarray, there is the impression left that the Department is without 
proper and necessary oversight. It is more than impression; it is fact.
  I am also told that the IG's office has been leaderless, headless, 
for some 10 years--over the past couple decades, which is a disgrace 
when you stop to think about it. Without strong leadership, direction, 
and motivation, no office can function efficiently and effectively.
  Secretary Rumsfeld needs an inspector general. If you stop to think 
about the job Donald Rumsfeld has done as the Defense Secretary in this 
country, the way they have responded, the way they have conducted 
themselves in countless briefings, and the way they have administered 
the war and come back after the terrible events of 9/11, he deserves an 
inspector general. He deserves Joe Schmitz because that is his choice. 
We are, after all, at war. Remember that.
  It doesn't seem to bother those who are deliberately holding up the 
nomination of this good man. He was the Secretary of Defense's choice, 
the

[[Page S1698]]

choice of President Bush in this important post.
  This is not a lifetime appointment. This is not a judge. This is an 
appointment of who President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld want to be 
inspector general for the Defense Department at a great critical time. 
He is an individual with a strong background for the job, with 
impeccable personal and professional credentials. I hope we move 
forward expeditiously with this nomination. It has been cleared by the 
Armed Services Committee by voice vote and the Governmental Affairs 
Committee, yet it is on the calendar with no action.
  Individuals who undergo the nomination process put their names and 
reputations on the line. They open themselves up for intense scrutiny 
of their past employment, finances, conduct, associations, somebody's 
opening every door--everybody who wants to say something negative about 
you, they find. They interview you.
  He has been held up long enough. There are no ethical issues 
impacting this nomination. He has received strong recommendation from 
those who know him and have worked with him, regardless of party 
affiliation. You will find it on both sides. Joe Schmitz was a 
superlative choice by Secretary Rumsfeld and President Bush, and he 
will make an outstanding attorney general, and that is a fact.

  The Senate needs to act. Again, I put this nomination in the same box 
with Charles Pickering and Clarence Thomas and Robert Bork and John 
Ashcroft and others. Why do we have to put people through this? Why do 
we have to attack them publicly in nomination hearings? If you have a 
problem, be man enough to sit down and talk with them. If I have a 
problem, I bring them into my office and talk to them privately. If 
there is still a problem, I might have to say something publicly; but 
for the most part, if I know something and I need an answer, I am man 
enough to bring the person in, sit him or her down and say: Here is 
what I want to know.
  It is not real bravery and courage to sit up on the dais in Senate 
hearings, with the nominee sitting down at the table, and you are 
pounding away on him, criticizing him in front of everybody. You have 
the gavel, you are the Senator, what is he going to say? He has to sit 
there and take it in order to get this job. We do it and we character-
assassinate people day in and day out. It is not right. We wonder why 
we can't get good people to serve and why there is so much exasperation 
and condemnation about the people who serve in government. That is why. 
It is not right.
  Schmitz is a good man. I say to my colleagues who have the power to 
make it happen: Get him on the floor of the Senate and let's vote and 
give Don Rumsfeld his inspector general.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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