This week the president nominated federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.  As far as I’m concerned the president is wasting everyone’s time.  Senate leadership has already made their intentions clear and I strongly agree with them that the nomination process should not take place in the middle of this election cycle.  Delaying a Supreme Court appointment during a presidential election year is not uncommon; it is actually in line with past precedent.   

As stated in a letter sent by the Senate Judiciary Committee, “Not since 1932 has the Senate confirmed in a presidential election year a Supreme Court nominee to a vacancy arising in that year. And it is necessary to go even further back — to 1888 — in order to find an election year nominee who was nominated and confirmed under divided government, as we have now.

This is an opportunity for the American people to have a voice in a very important decision of nominating the person who will serve on our nation’s highest court for life.  It’s clear by what we are witnessing in this national election that Americans have a strong opinion about the future of our country and they deserve to be heard.

This week in DC
I enjoyed meeting the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College choir this week on the steps of the Capitol.  I was happy to learn that during their visit to Washington, DC they performed for our veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. 

I was honored to receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award. I’ll continue to fight for solutions that support American businesses and create jobs.

It was great speaking with the Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society this week in DC.

The Mississippi Primary Health Care Association met with me in DC this week to discuss important issues surrounding rural healthcare in our state.

I was once again honored to receive the True Blue Award from the Family Research Council this week for defending family values. 

As always, if we can be of any assistance please call or visit my office. For more updates, I encourage you to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or by visiting my website.  

In your service,