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[Pages S4813-S4814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the Senate is getting started on
another busy week in which we will complete more important business for
the American people. We will confirm a number of well-qualified
nominees, as well as a number of treaties that pertain to international
commerce and keeping our economy strong.
First, the nominations. Later this afternoon, we will build on 2\1/2\
years of confirming talented, capable jurists to our Federal courts and
vote to advance the nomination of Judge Peter Phipps for the Third
Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judge Phipps is a graduate of the University of Dayton and Stanford
Law School. His impressive professional record includes time in private
practice, a clerkship on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and 15
years of decorated service with the Department of Justice.
At DOJ, while handling sensitive and high-profile cases in the
Federal Programs Branch, Judge Phipps left a lasting impression on
colleagues and opposing counsel alike. Litigators who worked both with
him and against him have written to the Senate to praise his ``piercing
intellect, deep knowledge of the law . . . and personable relations
with everyone in the courtroom.''
A number of his former DOJ colleagues attest that his ``ability to
master complex issues quickly made him the sort of lawyer other lawyers
would turn to with questions or for counsel.''
Listen to this. Leon Panetta, the former Secretary of Defense to
President Obama, has worked with Judge Phipps in the past and has great
things to say about his ``legal acumen, dedication, attention to
detail, and integrity.'' He says: ``I believe that Peter will serve
with honor and highly recommend his confirmation.'' That is President
Obama's Secretary of Defense.
Given all this, it is hardly surprising that when Judge Phipps was
first nominated to serve as district judge for the Western District of
Pennsylvania, the Senate confirmed him on a voice vote. This body saw
what everybody else had seen--an impressively qualified, intellectually
excellent individual who firmly understands what the job of a judge
does and does not entail in our constitutional system.
So I am sorry that this nominee who earned a voice vote to his
current position will now require a cloture vote this afternoon, but,
nevertheless, I look forward to voting to advance his nomination today
and voting to confirm him later in the week. I urge our colleagues to
join me.
Following that nomination, the Senate will tend to another of this
body's unique responsibilities--the ratification of treaties. For the
better part of the last century, the United States has engaged in
bilateral tax treaties with foreign trading partners. These measures
cultivate robust trading relationships and put in place important
clarifications to ensure that American businesses can avoid double tax
burdens.
Today, America is engaged in about 60 such treaties with major allies
and developing partners alike. Together, they account for literally
trillions of dollars in foreign investment across our country.
This week, there are several more awaiting consideration. The Senate
needs to act on treaties with Spain, the Swiss Federation, Japan, and
Luxembourg. I have heard from job creators
[[Page S4814]]
in my State of Kentucky about the importance of creating more certainty
by getting these treaties approved, and I expect my colleagues have
heard similar things from employers in their States as well. So these
measures should be taken up and ratified without delay.
On behalf of American workers and entrepreneurs, I hope each of our
colleagues will join me in voting yes this week.
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. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
