Schatz Statement on Need to Make the Senate Work for Americans

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement today on ending Republican obstruction and making the Senate work for the people of Hawai‘i and Americans across the country.

“We have seen an unprecedented abuse of the filibuster by Republicans during the Obama Administration – not a use of it – but an abuse.  Since President Obama took office, Republicans have filibustered executive and judicial nominations more times than at any other point in our nation’s history.  In fact, half of all filibusters of executive and judicial nominations in American history have been by Republicans during the Obama Administration.  This obstruction not only hurts our government.  It has a direct impact on American lives.

“Critical positions in the Administration have been left unfilled, making it difficult to enact policies, handle crises, and serve the public.  And judicial vacancies have led to longer case processing times and overburdened courts.

“It is common sense that a President have a cabinet of his or her choosing to help run the country, and have staffed courts for the American people.  We settle the question of who is in charge of the executive branch every four years.  The winning President earns the right to choose the people who will help he or she run the country.

“It is time to fix the Senate for the American people and return to the way the Senate conducted business for most of its history.”

###