Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith issued the following statement and video.
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today delivered a strong
defense of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh and advocated for his confirmation
to serve on the
U.S. Supreme Court.
Hyde-Smith’s floor speech came prior to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday to continue a review of Kavanaugh’s nomination to be an associate justice on the
Supreme Court.
“It
seems, opponents of Judge Kavanaugh are engaged in character
assassination to destroy the reputation of a devoted public servant and a
loving husband and father. I,
for one, will not stand by and watch this happen,” Hyde-Smith said.
“The
confirmation process is not easy. It should be comprehensive,
detailed, and allow nominees to prove their worthiness. It should not
be malicious. It should not be
intentionally destructive. It should not be a weapon to use against a
qualified nominee whose life has been given in service to our country’s
laws, the judiciary, and the American people,” she said.
“Judge
Kavanaugh is such a nominee. I’ve met with him and reviewed his
impeccable record of service and integrity. He is a disciple of the
rule of law and judicial restraint.
He is a champion of the Constitution. He believes, as I do, that all
Americans are equal before the law and the Courts.”
The following is the text of Hyde-Smith’s remarks to the Senate:
Mr.
President, this is my first time to address this body. Senate
tradition is for new Senators to observe, listen and learn before
delivering a maiden speech. But
there is precedent, during matters of great importance and critical
times for the future of our country, to make remarks prior to a maiden
speech. I will reserve my maiden speech for a time in the future, but
today I am compelled by duty to our country and
the people of Mississippi to speak in strong and unyielding support of
Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
The
Constitution entrusts the Senate with the duty to provide to the
President the “advice and consent” for a lifetime appointment on the
United States Supreme Court.
It is a serious responsibility. But, the process has devolved into a
purely-political effort by those who want to keep Judge Kavanaugh off
the Court by destroying his reputation and his character.
I
have had conversations with several colleagues who tell me they have
never seen such chaos and hatred as we are witnessing in this
confirmation process.
The
fact that accusations against Brett Kavanaugh were suspiciously
withheld until the 11th hour really is not surprising. We expected
something, but we didn’t know
what it would be, and never expected the opposition to stoop to this
level.
Let me articulate what is going on here.
Judge
Kavanaugh, who has gone through multiple background checks over the
years, was unscathed by additional vetting, 31 hours of questioning
under oath, more than 1,200
written questions—all exceeding anything ever experienced by any
Supreme Court nominee.
When
it became clear that Judge Kavanaugh had a clear path to confirmation,
the opposition chose to introduce accusations of alleged misconduct that
have yet to be backed
by verified facts or any evidence.
It
seems, in their desperation, knowing he was about to be confirmed with
no obstacle stopping him, they panicked. In the past two weeks when was
the last time you heard
talk of federalism or philosophy of jurisprudence? They lost the fight
on the issues. They had to try something else. Thus, the 11th hour
accusations.
Now,
I want to be clear, my heart breaks for victims of assault and abuse.
It’s an issue that must never be taken lightly. That is why unproven
accusations are so very
unjust.
Faced
with these disturbing accusations, Judge Kavanaugh quickly and
convincingly refuted them without mincing any words. Throughout this
exhaustive process, he has
been very straightforward in shooting down these allegations—all under
the penalty of law.
I believe Judge Kavanaugh when he says these humiliating events never happened—not three decades ago; not ever.
It
seems, opponents of Judge Kavanaugh are engaged in character
assassination to destroy the reputation of a devoted public servant and a
loving husband and father. I,
for one, will not stand by and watch this happen.
It
is an honor to serve in this body, and our debates should strengthen
the integrity of this institution, which the American people have a
right to expect.
The
confirmation process is not easy. It should be comprehensive,
detailed, and allow nominees to prove their worthiness. It should not
be malicious. It should not
be intentionally destructive. It should not be a weapon to use against
a qualified nominee whose life has been given in service to our
country’s laws, the judiciary, and the American people.
Judge
Kavanaugh is such a nominee. I’ve met with him and reviewed his
impeccable record of service and integrity. He is a disciple of the
rule of law and judicial restraint.
He is a champion of the Constitution. He believes, as I do, that all
Americans are equal before the law and the Courts.
On
behalf of all future nominees, I want to applaud Judge Kavanaugh for
standing firm and not allowing these tactics to derail this process.
It
is time to bring Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to a vote on the floor
of the United States Senate. He has earned my support. I encourage my
colleagues to support
him as well.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This post is a paid advertisement.
