Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement in support of the Senate’s vote to eliminate the use of the filibuster and allow up-or-down votes on presidential nominees except for those to the Supreme Court.  

“Today is a great day for democracy in our nation. No longer will a small group of obstructionist in the Senate hinder the democratic process from progressing in our nation. Of the 168 nominees that have been filibustered 86 occurred under previous presidents, but 82 have occurred under President Obama.  Now, judicial nominees will move forward and begin to do their jobs, particularly in addressing the unprecedented workloads that have been left to sitting judges due to the high vacancy levels in both federal and district courts. Administration nominees will no longer have their confirmation hindered and unreasonably blocked.

“For decades, Members of both parties have said this change needed to occur. Today, Senator Reid made a historic change in the best interest of this nation and for the American people, reversing nearly 225 years of divisive precedent. I thank Senator Reid for his leadership and his courage in making sure the Senate can effectively govern and continue to address the needs of our nation, not impede us from moving forward.”

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