SUPERCUT: JD Vance Delivers Remarks On Senate Floor His First Year In Office | 2023 Rewind

Summary

The video script captures a series of intense debates in the U.S. Senate, focusing on key nominations, foreign policy, and justice department operations. Discussions include the nomination of Stephanie Sullivan as US ambassador to the African Union, objections raised against Ambassador Sullivan and other nominees based on competence and ideological concerns, and broader criticisms of the Department of Justice under the Biden Administration. Senators argue about the politicization of justice, the strategic objectives in Ukraine, and the allocation of funds to support allies like Israel. The script reflects deep political divisions and the complex interplay between domestic policies and international relations.

Takeaways

• 😡 Senator Portman objects to unanimous consent request to confirm US ambassador to African Union due to concerns over her statements on transgender rights
• 😠 Senator Vance continues to object to confirming US Attorney nominees due to his view that the DOJ has become politicized under the Biden administration
• 😤 Senator Durbin argues strongly that blocking US Attorney confirmations makes communities less safe from violent crime
• 🤬 Senator Vance claims the politicized DOJ is trying to throw political opponents of Biden in jail
• 😖 Senator Durbin calls out Senator Vance for going back on his word to allow confirmation votes on US Attorney nominees
• 😩 Senator Durbin cites military and ambassador confirmations also being blocked by Republican senators
• 😢 Senator Durbin argues that Senator Vance's obstruction does not match his tough on crime rhetoric
• 😭 Senator Durbin argues that bipartisan tradition has been to confirm US Attorneys from opposing parties
• 😨 Senator Vance continues to demand going through regular order with individual confirmation votes
• 😰 Senator Paul argues against bipartisan consensus on foreign policy leading to bad outcomes

Q & A

What is the purpose of the unanimous consent request by the senator?

The purpose is to proceed to confirm the nominee Stephanie Sullivan to be the US Ambassador to the African Union, a position that has been vacant since January 2022. Sullivan was nominated in June 2020.

Why does the senator think confirming this nominee is important?

The senator believes confirming Sullivan is critical because the African Union can play a key role in resolving the conflict in Sudan, where domestic violence and war between military factions has put thousands of Americans at risk.

On what grounds does the senator from Ohio object to the nomination?

He objects because he believes Sullivan has pushed divisive ideological views on transgender issues in Africa. He sees this as cultural imperialism that is unsupported and threatens US national security.

What compromise does the senator from Ohio propose regarding confirmation votes?

He proposes that each justice department nomination go through regular order with a full Senate vote instead of unanimous consent, allowing scrutiny and an up or down vote.

How does the senator from Illinois respond to the objections?

He calls the objections weak and questions their substance. He argues ambassadors reflect administration policy, not personal values. And he says partisan politics should not obstruct nominees who can save lives.

What previous statements does the senator from Ohio refer to regarding his position?

He points to past statements that his objection is not to the specific qualifications of the nominees, but to his view that the Justice Department has become overly politicized under Biden.

What does the senator from Illinois request regarding votes on the nominees?

After the senator from Ohio previously asked for votes on the nominees, the senator from Illinois requests unanimous consent for votes on the two remaining US attorney nominees.

How does the senator from Ohio respond to accusations his position has changed?

He argues his position has remained consistent - that he objects to the Justice Department's politicization. He says he must keep responding to new arguments, but his fundamental complaint is unchanged.

What does the senator from Illinois imply is the real agenda behind the holds?

He speculates that the goal is to grind government to a halt, preventing the Justice Department, Defense Department and State Department from functioning, to prove a political point.

What does the senator from Ohio say is needed for him to release his hold policy?

He states he will release the hold policy only when Attorney General Garland commits to refocusing the Justice Department on law enforcement rather than politics.