Reid announces start of Sotomayor debate

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has announced that at least three hours of debate on the Supreme Court nomination of Sonia Sotomayor will begin Tuesday afternoon, with a final vote following as quickly as possible.

Reid said up to 28 Republicans have requested time to speak on the Sotomayor nomination, as well as several Democrats. Reid did not say when a final vote would be held, but indicated he wanted it held in
the next day or two, before the chamber moves to other business such as funding the cash-for-clunkers program and a travel promotion bill.

Both Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) urged their respective members to line up as soon as possible to speak on the nomination, to prevent any delays.

–J. Taylor Rushing