WASHINGTON -- April 28 -- We are encouraged to see a continuing discussion to find a way to resolve the problem of the President's judicial nominees, but any compromise must allow the minority to fully debate judicial nominees. We therefore cannot accept Senator Frist's plan.

Senator Frist's proposal today tramples the rights of the minority to fully debate and voice their concerns about nominees. This offer is just another version of the nuclear option. It continues to demonstrate the Majority's plan to dismantle checks and balances, the rights of the minority, the independence of the judiciary, and the Senate's role in our constitutional system.

Senator Frist's plan would virtually guarantee confirmation for any nominee, with only a few days' delay, eliminating any incentive to engage in genuine bipartisan consultation, compromise, and consensus. Senator Frist's proposal is unacceptable.

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