U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued a statement following the Senate Republicans’ decision to change rules in order to end what he described as an unprecedented blockade by Senate Democrats of President Trump’s nominees.
Graham criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, stating, “Hope springs eternal, except in the Schumer corner of the Senate.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, I believe Senator Schumer’s legacy will be considered one of the biggest wrecking balls of tradition in the history of the U.S. Senate.”
Reflecting on his own tenure in the chamber, Graham said, “Throughout my time in the Senate, I have tried to honor the concept that elections have consequences, understanding that a president from the other party would pick a nominee that I would not have chosen.”
Graham attributed ongoing partisan tensions over nominations to earlier changes made by Democratic leaders. “This all started with Clarence Thomas and Robert Bork. The match was lit when Senators Reid and Schumer changed the rules, and then there was Kavanaugh. Enough is enough,” he said.
He concluded by expressing support for Majority Leader John Thune’s actions: “I am very proud of – and completely support – the actions taken by Majority Leader Thune this week to break the unprecedented Schumer caucus log jam of President Trump’s nominees.”
