Republicans and Democrats in the Senate began debate on Wednesday on the use of filibusters against President Bush's most controversial judicial nominees.
Republicans say the nominees are entitled to an up-or-down vote. With 55 members, they have enough votes to clear any pick.
Democrats say they have the right to block any nominee considered too "extreme" or out of the "mainstream." They have been using filibusters, which require 60 votes to break.
Included in the controversial bunch is Bill Myers, the Interior Department's former top lawyer who is nominated for a spot on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Tribes and tribal organizations unanimously oppose the nomination, citing Myers' record on sacred sites, sovereignty and the trust relationship.
Debate is expected to continue until Republicans seek to use the "nuclear" option to force a majority vote. Democrats have offered votes on certain nominees but Myers is not one of them.
Get the Story:Gloves Off As Senators Start Debate On Judges (The Washington Post 5/19)
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From Senator's 2003 Outburst, GOP Hatched 'Nuclear Option' (The Washington Post 5/19)
Fight on Judges and Filibusters Opens in Senate (The New York Times 5/19)
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Pressure by White House Is Being Applied With Care (The New York Times 5/19) Relevant Documents:
Inspector General Letter | NCAI Resolution | Environmental Group's Letter | Holland & Hart Biography Indianz.Com Profile:
Industry insider named to Interior (March 30, 2001) From the Indianz.Com Archive:
Myers reversing sacred site opinion (10/25)
Bush nominee has no 'agenda' on Clinton decisions (6/21) Related Stories:
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