[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S514-S515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF CONDOLEEZZA RICE

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I understand that the Democratic side has 
yielded their time.
  Mr. President, we are going to be in the final debate on the 
nomination of Dr. Rice. Yesterday, I asked my colleagues to be careful 
in their criticism. The position of Secretary of State is the voice and 
the advocacy of the policy of our country. We need to have a unity of 
purpose for the advancement of freedom. If people want to criticize 
some things, they should come up with positive, constructive ideas so 
as not to diminish the credibility of our Secretary of State.
  What I saw yesterday on the floor--and to some extent in the Foreign 
Relations Committee--that the confirmation proceeding of Dr. Rice is 
evolving into an overly partisan attack. I found out later yesterday 
evening that some of the attacks have really gone overboard. We heard 
about accountability--accountability for the prosecution of the war on 
terrorism, whether in Afghanistan or in the Iraq theater. The 
accountability was really determined by the people of this country with 
their votes for President George W. Bush to be reelected as President.
  However, we have heard from some on the other side of the aisle a 
continuation of their campaign arguments, whether here on the floor or 
in committee.
  There has been for years a very logical approach that in times of 
war, when we have our troops in harm's way overseas, in precarious and 
dangerous positions with their boots on the ground, that partisan 
politics ends at our waters' edge. We have heard that. When troops are 
abroad, partisan politics ends at our waters' edge.
  Unfortunately, that time-honored, respectful practice has been 
breached. Even worse than the outrageous statements in these serious 
times is we find that statements are being used for political 
posturing--but even worse, political fundraising. We have heard the 
arguments made in the sense that Oh well, this is advice and consent. 
This is from a fundraising letter based upon the argument and 
opposition to Condoleezza Rice. The fundraising letter from the DSCC 
sent to DSCC friends, talks about how the Senate must take its advice 
and consent role during the confirmation process. Advice and consent is 
fine. That is to be allowed, but advice and consent doesn't mean 
politicking and soliciting funds.
  That is exactly what has happened, in a very, and in my view, harmful 
way in some of the debate. It harms and diminishes the ability of our 
Secretary of State, Dr. Rice. She has great credibility, and I think 
she will still have great credibility. But there is going to be the 
question: Gosh, some in the United States don't think she is up to the 
task.
  There have been certain personal attacks.
  But to try to solicit political contributions from such damaging 
rhetoric, in my view, is deplorable; it is dangerous; and, it is 
disgusting.
  Here is how they end the letter. This is signed by the junior Senator 
from

[[Page S515]]

California. It ends with this reference to the Rice nomination--
assertions and allegations about Dr. Rice.

       So while I raise my voice on the Senate floor, I hope you 
     will join us on the campaign trail and the loudest message of 
     all, one that all Republicans will not be able to ignore, 
     unseating them in the midterm elections and sending more 
     Democrats to the Senate.

  Several times through this letter, it says contribute to the DSCC.
  It is fine to have a debate. There should be the concept of advice 
and consent, but it ought not to be soliciting and politicking. Clearly 
to be using something as serious as the nomination and confirmation of 
our Secretary of State to solicit campaign fund is particularly 
deplorable, especially during our global war on terror when we are 
trying to get more allies and friends to join with us.
  I hope as we get to this vote in about one hour that this sort of 
political chicanery, political maneuvering and solicitation of funds, 
and using something as important as this nomination will cease and 
desist.
  I thank you, Mr. President, and my colleagues for allowing me this 
time to say this.
  I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will rein in this 
sort of behavior. I don't want to say each and every one of them 
condones it, but it is deplorable behavior that must cease.
  I yield the floor.

                          ____________________