[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 136 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF BRETT KAVANAUGH

  Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I come to the floor to discuss one of 
the most significant responsibilities I have as a U.S. Senator; that 
is, providing advice and consent to the President's nominee to the 
Supreme Court.
  I just had the privilege of hearing from my distinguished colleague 
Senator Hatch, Chairman and President Pro Tempore Hatch. I have heard 
about the scandals: He drives a minivan. He goes to church on Sunday. 
For heaven's sake, he is a Redskins fan?
  I applaud the chairman for frankly sharing perspective around some of 
the ludicrous arguments being made by the other side about moving 
forward with an outstanding nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge 
Kavanaugh.
  Confirming a Supreme Court Justice is a lifetime appointment. Laws 
come and go, but judges stay on the bench for a lifetime. So it is 
critical that we confirm the right person to serve on our Nation's 
highest Court.
  The American people want a Supreme Court Justice with impeccable 
academic credentials--someone who does not legislate from the bench but 
upholds the rule of law and follows the Constitution.
  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Kavanaugh in my 
office. I can say, without a doubt, Judge Kavanaugh should be and is 
ready to be our next Supreme Court Justice. Judge Kavanaugh is one of 
the most qualified people to ever be nominated to the U.S. Supreme 
Court. You may hear from the other side that he is out of the 
mainstream. That is simply not true. In fact, the Supreme Court has 
adopted Judge Kavanaugh's reasoning more than a dozen times. This gives 
him one of the most impressive records of any Federal appellate judge 
and hardly places him outside of the mainstream.
  During my meeting with Judge Kavanaugh, we had a very thoughtful 
discussion about the Founders' vision and intent when they crafted the 
Constitution. We discussed the separation of powers. We discussed the 
importance of the Second Amendment. Just as he does with his rulings on 
the court, Judge Kavanaugh did not focus on his personal opinions but 
rather he brought it back to the text of the Constitution and the 
historical understanding required. That is exactly what we need on the 
Bench from our highest Court.

  I want to thank President Trump for nominating such an outstanding 
and well-qualified jurist. I would also like to thank Chairman Grassley 
for committing to a fair and transparent process for moving Judge 
Kavanaugh through this process so that he can be confirmed prior to the 
Supreme Court's October term.
  I am most confident that Judge Kavanaugh will serve well. I look 
forward to casting my vote to confirm him.
  I yield back my time.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. NELSON. Madam 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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