Blumenthal Statement on Senate Republicans Refusing to Hold Hearings on Supreme Court Nominee

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate Republicans announced they would not hold any hearings on any Supreme Court nominee named by President Obama.

“Senate Republicans’ refusal to do their job is a shameful abdication of constitutional responsibility. There is a long-standing bipartisan tradition of giving full and fair consideration to Supreme Court nominees – a tradition Republicans dishonor with their absolute obstruction. The rejection of President Obama’s ability to execute one of his constitutional duties – for nearly a quarter of his term – is unprecedented and unacceptable.

“First Republicans refused to consider the President’s budget, and now they will not even hold a hearing on a nominee to the highest court in the land. In their attempt to diminish the office of the President and marginalize President Obama, they instead diminish themselves."

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