To: The United States Senate
Fair, Thorough and Timely Judicial Appointment Amendments
A Constitutional amendment that guarantees a better judicial appointment process is needed.
The Senate must consider a President's judicial appointment so long as that President has at least 3 months left in term.
The Senate shall thoroughly vet and investigate the appointee and satisfy all questions of him/her by committee members
If after 6 months the Senate refuses to act, the appointee shall be, by that refusal, confirmed unless there are open criminal/ethical investigations.
If after all criminal/ethical investigations have closed and the Senate has not acted on confirmation on that appointee within 3 months of such closure, the appointee shall be considered confirmed.
The Senate must consider a President's judicial appointment so long as that President has at least 3 months left in term.
The Senate shall thoroughly vet and investigate the appointee and satisfy all questions of him/her by committee members
If after 6 months the Senate refuses to act, the appointee shall be, by that refusal, confirmed unless there are open criminal/ethical investigations.
If after all criminal/ethical investigations have closed and the Senate has not acted on confirmation on that appointee within 3 months of such closure, the appointee shall be considered confirmed.
Why is this important?
After decades in which the Republic was well served by a Senate that took seriously its constitutional charge to provide advice and consent on judicial nominees, a new brand a republican took control of the Senate and denied consideration of the President's nominees altogether. This refusal extended even to a Supreme Court nominee. Since the Senate can no longer be trusted to revere tradition and the people's will, as consummated in a selection of a President, more restrictive language in the conduct of the judicial process is needed to avoid a future Mitch McConnell running roughshod over our Constitution.