In 1997, Orrin Hatch suggested that the "judicial ideology and philosophy of nominees be carefully reviewed." "extensive" questioning and investigation and "no set time" to complete the process. This meant that nominees waited years without even being granted a hearing by the Judiciary Committee. Some never got their hearing.
"Should we take our time on these federal judges? Yes. Do I have any apologies? Only one: I probably moved too many already."
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott 1998
William Fletcher to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked for 3 years.
Richard Paez to the 9th Circuity Court of Appeals blocked for 4 years.
Also: Margaret Morrow, Margaret McKeown, Sonia Sotomayor, Enrique Moreno, Elena Kagan, James Wynn, Helene White.
In 1998 there were 11 hearings
In 1999 there were 7
In 2000 there were 8
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics...ck=1&cset=true
"Bush nominated 52 appellate court judges in his first term; Congress approved 35 of them."
"Clinton, during his second term, nominated 51 appellate court judges — and the Republican Senate confirmed 35."
"The preferred GOP technique for sinking Clinton nominees was to deny them hearings or a floor vote. Since Democrats don't control committees or the floor schedule, they have been compelled to use the more incendiary weapon of the filibuster to stop the Bush nominees they oppose. But the result has been the same: frustration in the White House and rising bitterness in Congress."