In response to the Senate’s vote to invoke cloture on the nomination of Michael Brennan to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision by Senate Republicans to force this nomination forward over the objection of a home state senator is a perfect encapsulation of their governing philosophy: a commitment to enforcing their agenda no matter the cost to our country or to the Senate as an institution. At a time when Americans need a functioning system of checks and balances, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley have decided to do everything in their power to tear off the remaining guard rails that limit Donald Trump’s ability to run roughshod over the Constitution. They’re clearly not satisfied with supporting blatantly unqualified political hacks for lifetime seats on our federal bench—they’re making it harder and harder for responsible senators to stand up for their own constituents.

“Senate Democrats should be commended for standing unanimously against this abuse of power. All senators have a responsibility to stand up against the recklessness of this administration. It’s disappointing that not a single Republican, including many Republicans who used the blue slip process for years to block President Obama’s nominees to the federal bench, had the integrity to speak up against this irresponsible power grab.”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

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