The Senate Chamber: Make the Senate Great Again

[Lykens]

Aye

[Paketo]

Aye

[Ainin]

I: 16 AYE - 17 NAY - FAILED
II: 13 AYE - 18 NAY - FAILED
III: 12 AYE - 20 NAY - FAILED
IV: 12 AYE - 18 NAY - FAILED
V: 11 AYE - 20 NAY - FAILED
VI: 13 AYE - 18 NAY - FAILED
VII: 12 AYE - 18 NAY - FAILED
VIII: 16 AYE - 17 NAY - FAILED
IX: 16 AYE - 14 NAY - PASSED
X: 16 AYE - 16 NAY - TIED

[Beta Test]

"Thank you." Michael nodded to Amman as he resumed the chair.

"On the tied amendment, Amendment X, in accordance with Speaker Denison's rule, I shall be voting nay. The amendment fails."

[Ainin]

Aye (lmao).

[FreYhill]

aye

[Malgrave]

Nay

[Dendart]

Present

[Tumbra]

Aye

[Roosevetania]

Aye

[Tectonix]

"Mr. President, I apologise for my transgression of decorum for speaking during voting procedures."

"However, I'd like to bring awareness to the state of elevated crime in both Fortaleza and beyond, and I plead to the assembled Senators to support adopting the nominations as fast as possible. We will have time to further examine these candidates later — however, now is not the time. People are getting killed in the streets, and delaying this process any further will only prolong the status of crime."

"This may not be the best manner to go about this process in a normal setting; however, this is not a normal setting. Honourable Senators, I ask that you put partisanship behind you and confirm these nominees with an invoking of cloture. Thank you."

"I vote aye, Mr. President."

[Malgrave]

Nay

I'd like to change my earlier vote from Nay to Aye.

[Roosevetania]

"Mr. President, I apologise for my transgression of decorum for speaking during voting procedures."

"However, I'd like to bring awareness to the state of elevated crime in both Fortaleza and beyond, and I plead to the assembled Senators to support adopting the nominations as fast as possible. We will have time to further examine these candidates later — however, now is not the time. People are getting killed in the streets, and delaying this process any further will only prolong the status of crime."

"This may not be the best manner to go about this process in a normal setting; however, this is not a normal setting. Honourable Senators, I ask that you put partisanship behind you and confirm these nominees with an invoking of cloture. Thank you."

Ana Ernst rises for the first time. "Hear, hear! Mister President, we cannot let this state of anarchy continue. The rioting has come to such a degree that it would be unsafe for anyone to leave the Senate building. We must move beyond any political divisions or partisanship and confirm judges immediately. If we do not, we send a message that people can do whatever they want in Fernao. We cannot let this go on. Thank you."

[Beta Test]

"With 9 ayes and 1 abstention, the Senate is now in executive session to consider a judicial nomination."

[Lykens]

"Mister President, I move to proceed to debate on the nomination of Alemayehu Ayodele for Judge-President of the District of Federal Claims."

[Beta Test]

"Mister President, I move to proceed to debate on the nomination of Alemayehu Ayodele for Judge General of the District of Federal Claims."

"So ordered, the Senate will debate the nomination for 24 hours."

[Lykens]

"Mister President, I ask that the chairman of the Select Committee on this judicial nominee enter into the record the transcripts of committee hearing."

[House of Judah]

"Mister President, what is the length of time that President Krishnan has specified for the appointment?"

[Beta Test]

"Mister President, what is the length of time that President Krishnan has specified for the appointment?"

"Judicial appointments are for two months, according to the Constitution."

[Lykens]

"Mister President, what is the length of time that President Krishnan has specified for the appointment?"

"Mister President, to remind the Senator, the constitution lays out a two month term for Judicial Nominees.

Also, Mister President, my colleague Amman Singh is temporarily unavailable, and as such can not enter into the record the transcripts of his committee hearing. I have them here and would like to enter them into the record."

<Chairman_Singh>This committee shall come to order. The agenda is the consideration of Alemayehu Ayodele as Judge-President of the District Court of Federal Claims. There is a motion to invite the nominee before the committee Are there any objections?
<Raghav_Kshatriq>No.
<Chairman_Singh>So ordered.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Good morning Mrs. Ayodele
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do.
<Chairman_Singh> Are there any questions for Mrs. Ayodele?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Mrs. Ayodele, could you elaborate on your previous career and why you would be a good fit for this job?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for that question, Mr. Kshatriya. I was chief negotiator among several militias that opposed the dictatorship during the Civil War. After the ceasefire, I became a local prosecutor, and before I was nominated I served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Department of Public Prosecution. I believe that these former professions will serve me well as Judge-President for the District of Federal Claims, as during my time as a negotiator it was required of me to keep a calm demeanor and approach any system with an unbiased perspective and a fresh mindset. During my time as District Attorney of Fortaleza and even as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the DPP, I have familiarized myself even more so than I had previously been with the law, namely the newly passed criminal code and the many different criminal ordinances before this government.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, given your previous service in the executive branch, do you vow to maintain full independence from the Justice Department and presidency on the bench?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Singh, as you are aware, while the DPP is considered a part of the Department of Justice and Policing, it is functionally independent. But regardless, I would never allow anything other than the arguments presented before me on the bench to influence my rulings. The most important thing in a democracy is judicial independence, and I intend to do my part in upholding it.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, you have described yourself as an adherent of the judicial approach known as "textualism". Can you elaborate on what textualism is and why you believe in it?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for your question Mr. Kassem. Textualism is the belief that the meaning of the constitution derives from what is written. Not what it meant when it was written, as in originalism, but what is written. What was written ten years ago might mean something different now, for example. So while interpretations may change, the wording stays absolute. I feel that this specific approach is the best defense against judicial activism. As Judge-Presidents, we are tasked with interpreting the constitution when vagueness arises. We do not create laws.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele. Back in 1803, the famous American case Marbury v Madison was decided, and the jurist John Marshall wrote: 'it is emphatically the duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.' Do you agree with him about the duty of the justice system to serve as a neutral safeguard of the nation's laws from executive and legislative overreach?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I absolutely do, Mr. Chairman.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> We must uphold our independence from the Executive and Legislative branches and ensure that the rights afforded to our citizens, both their human rights and the rights afforded to them in the constitution, are never infringed upon.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, one of the most frequent criticisms of textualism is that it seeks to turn something that is not objective into something objective. Language is only defined by how it is used by the community, so how can one even attempt to interpret the law without first considering intent and the circumstances in which the law was written?
<Reza_Kassem> Additionally, law, often mockingly labeled "legalese", can be especially hard to interpret without any outside information. This makes the law even harder to interpret when looking strictly at the text. How do you respond to these criticisms?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The purpose of the Judiciary, Mr. Kassem, is to interpret the law and ensure it is constitutional, we are not appointed to make laws, that is your job.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I've gone through many years of schooling to become a Lawyer, Mr. Kassem, and I can assure you that legalese is not at all difficult for me personally to decipher, it's one of the fun parts of my job.
<Reza_Kassem> It may be our job, but sometimes I'm convinced we need a little help. Thank you for your answer, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Kassem, if it helps set your mind at ease, usually we have several clerks at our disposal to assist us in researching.
<Chairman_Singh> One last question from me, Mrs. Ayodele. How do you view the relation between the federal government and the states? Will you protect the states from excesses in federal power?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The States and the Federal Government have very clearly delineated powers. If any federal law oversteps its granted powers and attempts to encroach upon the states, it is unconstitutional plain and simple. If anyone should, state or federal governments, be in breach of the constitution, I will defend those harmed.
<Reza_Kassem> One last question from me as well, Mrs. Ayodele. The Mayor of Fortaleza, Nick Hackysack, has been a consistent critic of the Fernãoan Capital Act's constitutionality. His administration has filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the High Court of Fernão, challenging the act. Do you believe that the Fernãoan Capital Act is constitutional?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do not know of a Mayor Hackysack.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Is this a hypothetical question?
<Reza_Kassem> An aide, after frantically motioning at me throughout my question, has informed me that the Mayor's surname is pronounced Haverkamp. I apologize for the confusion.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for the clarification Mr. Kassem. I would have to review the facts of the case.
<Reza_Kassem> Understandable. Thank you.
<Chairman_Singh> Mr. Kshatriya, any more questions?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> No I do not
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you for your time, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> I move to suspend the rules and recommend Mrs. Ayodele favorably to the full Senate by unanimous consent.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Seconded
<Reza_Kassem> Seconded
<Chairman_Singh> So ordered. The meeting is adjourned.

[House of Judah]

"Mister President, what is the length of time that President Krishnan has specified for the appointment?"

"Mister President, to remind the Senator, the constitution lays out a two month term for Judicial Nominees.

Also, Mister President, my colleague Amman Singh is temporarily unavailable, and as such can not enter into the record the transcripts of his committee hearing. I have them here and would like to enter them into the record."

<Chairman_Singh>This committee shall come to order. The agenda is the consideration of Alemayehu Ayodele as Judge-President of the District Court of Federal Claims. There is a motion to invite the nominee before the committee Are there any objections?
<Raghav_Kshatriq>No.
<Chairman_Singh>So ordered.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Good morning Mrs. Ayodele
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do.
<Chairman_Singh> Are there any questions for Mrs. Ayodele?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Mrs. Ayodele, could you elaborate on your previous career and why you would be a good fit for this job?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for that question, Mr. Kshatriya. I was chief negotiator among several militias that opposed the dictatorship during the Civil War. After the ceasefire, I became a local prosecutor, and before I was nominated I served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Department of Public Prosecution. I believe that these former professions will serve me well as Judge-President for the District of Federal Claims, as during my time as a negotiator it was required of me to keep a calm demeanor and approach any system with an unbiased perspective and a fresh mindset. During my time as District Attorney of Fortaleza and even as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the DPP, I have familiarized myself even more so than I had previously been with the law, namely the newly passed criminal code and the many different criminal ordinances before this government.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, given your previous service in the executive branch, do you vow to maintain full independence from the Justice Department and presidency on the bench?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Singh, as you are aware, while the DPP is considered a part of the Department of Justice and Policing, it is functionally independent. But regardless, I would never allow anything other than the arguments presented before me on the bench to influence my rulings. The most important thing in a democracy is judicial independence, and I intend to do my part in upholding it.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, you have described yourself as an adherent of the judicial approach known as "textualism". Can you elaborate on what textualism is and why you believe in it?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for your question Mr. Kassem. Textualism is the belief that the meaning of the constitution derives from what is written. Not what it meant when it was written, as in originalism, but what is written. What was written ten years ago might mean something different now, for example. So while interpretations may change, the wording stays absolute. I feel that this specific approach is the best defense against judicial activism. As Judge-Presidents, we are tasked with interpreting the constitution when vagueness arises. We do not create laws.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele. Back in 1803, the famous American case Marbury v Madison was decided, and the jurist John Marshall wrote: 'it is emphatically the duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.' Do you agree with him about the duty of the justice system to serve as a neutral safeguard of the nation's laws from executive and legislative overreach?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I absolutely do, Mr. Chairman.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> We must uphold our independence from the Executive and Legislative branches and ensure that the rights afforded to our citizens, both their human rights and the rights afforded to them in the constitution, are never infringed upon.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, one of the most frequent criticisms of textualism is that it seeks to turn something that is not objective into something objective. Language is only defined by how it is used by the community, so how can one even attempt to interpret the law without first considering intent and the circumstances in which the law was written?
<Reza_Kassem> Additionally, law, often mockingly labeled "legalese", can be especially hard to interpret without any outside information. This makes the law even harder to interpret when looking strictly at the text. How do you respond to these criticisms?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The purpose of the Judiciary, Mr. Kassem, is to interpret the law and ensure it is constitutional, we are not appointed to make laws, that is your job.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I've gone through many years of schooling to become a Lawyer, Mr. Kassem, and I can assure you that legalese is not at all difficult for me personally to decipher, it's one of the fun parts of my job.
<Reza_Kassem> It may be our job, but sometimes I'm convinced we need a little help. Thank you for your answer, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Kassem, if it helps set your mind at ease, usually we have several clerks at our disposal to assist us in researching.
<Chairman_Singh> One last question from me, Mrs. Ayodele. How do you view the relation between the federal government and the states? Will you protect the states from excesses in federal power?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The States and the Federal Government have very clearly delineated powers. If any federal law oversteps its granted powers and attempts to encroach upon the states, it is unconstitutional plain and simple. If anyone should, state or federal governments, be in breach of the constitution, I will defend those harmed.
<Reza_Kassem> One last question from me as well, Mrs. Ayodele. The Mayor of Fortaleza, Nick Hackysack, has been a consistent critic of the Fernãoan Capital Act's constitutionality. His administration has filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the High Court of Fernão, challenging the act. Do you believe that the Fernãoan Capital Act is constitutional?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do not know of a Mayor Hackysack.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Is this a hypothetical question?
<Reza_Kassem> An aide, after frantically motioning at me throughout my question, has informed me that the Mayor's surname is pronounced Haverkamp. I apologize for the confusion.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for the clarification Mr. Kassem. I would have to review the facts of the case.
<Reza_Kassem> Understandable. Thank you.
<Chairman_Singh> Mr. Kshatriya, any more questions?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> No I do not
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you for your time, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> I move to suspend the rules and recommend Mrs. Ayodele favorably to the full Senate by unanimous consent.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Seconded
<Reza_Kassem> Seconded
<Chairman_Singh> So ordered. The meeting is adjourned.

"Mister President, the Constitution also specifies that the President shall specify the length of time of the appointment. However, I consider the question answered.

"I would also ask, noting that she has consulted with several of our members while they were drafting legislation. Is there a list of bills she has consulted on and, if so, can we please have that distributed to the members of this body and if not, could one please be generated and distributed to the members?

"As a separate point of inquiry related to the overall executive session instead of the specific matter before us, could a list of the nominees for the judiciary please be distributed to the members to help us prepare for the coming votes and debate?"

[Lykens]

"Mister President, to remind the Senator, the constitution lays out a two month term for Judicial Nominees.

Also, Mister President, my colleague Amman Singh is temporarily unavailable, and as such can not enter into the record the transcripts of his committee hearing. I have them here and would like to enter them into the record."

<Chairman_Singh>This committee shall come to order. The agenda is the consideration of Alemayehu Ayodele as Judge-President of the District Court of Federal Claims. There is a motion to invite the nominee before the committee Are there any objections?
<Raghav_Kshatriq>No.
<Chairman_Singh>So ordered.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Good morning Mrs. Ayodele
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do.
<Chairman_Singh> Are there any questions for Mrs. Ayodele?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Mrs. Ayodele, could you elaborate on your previous career and why you would be a good fit for this job?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for that question, Mr. Kshatriya. I was chief negotiator among several militias that opposed the dictatorship during the Civil War. After the ceasefire, I became a local prosecutor, and before I was nominated I served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Department of Public Prosecution. I believe that these former professions will serve me well as Judge-President for the District of Federal Claims, as during my time as a negotiator it was required of me to keep a calm demeanor and approach any system with an unbiased perspective and a fresh mindset. During my time as District Attorney of Fortaleza and even as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the DPP, I have familiarized myself even more so than I had previously been with the law, namely the newly passed criminal code and the many different criminal ordinances before this government.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> Mrs. Ayodele, given your previous service in the executive branch, do you vow to maintain full independence from the Justice Department and presidency on the bench?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Singh, as you are aware, while the DPP is considered a part of the Department of Justice and Policing, it is functionally independent. But regardless, I would never allow anything other than the arguments presented before me on the bench to influence my rulings. The most important thing in a democracy is judicial independence, and I intend to do my part in upholding it.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, you have described yourself as an adherent of the judicial approach known as "textualism". Can you elaborate on what textualism is and why you believe in it?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for your question Mr. Kassem. Textualism is the belief that the meaning of the constitution derives from what is written. Not what it meant when it was written, as in originalism, but what is written. What was written ten years ago might mean something different now, for example. So while interpretations may change, the wording stays absolute. I feel that this specific approach is the best defense against judicial activism. As Judge-Presidents, we are tasked with interpreting the constitution when vagueness arises. We do not create laws.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you, Mrs. Ayodele. Back in 1803, the famous American case Marbury v Madison was decided, and the jurist John Marshall wrote: 'it is emphatically the duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.' Do you agree with him about the duty of the justice system to serve as a neutral safeguard of the nation's laws from executive and legislative overreach?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I absolutely do, Mr. Chairman.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> We must uphold our independence from the Executive and Legislative branches and ensure that the rights afforded to our citizens, both their human rights and the rights afforded to them in the constitution, are never infringed upon.
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you.
<Reza_Kassem> Mrs. Ayodele, one of the most frequent criticisms of textualism is that it seeks to turn something that is not objective into something objective. Language is only defined by how it is used by the community, so how can one even attempt to interpret the law without first considering intent and the circumstances in which the law was written?
<Reza_Kassem> Additionally, law, often mockingly labeled "legalese", can be especially hard to interpret without any outside information. This makes the law even harder to interpret when looking strictly at the text. How do you respond to these criticisms?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The purpose of the Judiciary, Mr. Kassem, is to interpret the law and ensure it is constitutional, we are not appointed to make laws, that is your job.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I've gone through many years of schooling to become a Lawyer, Mr. Kassem, and I can assure you that legalese is not at all difficult for me personally to decipher, it's one of the fun parts of my job.
<Reza_Kassem> It may be our job, but sometimes I'm convinced we need a little help. Thank you for your answer, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Well Mr. Kassem, if it helps set your mind at ease, usually we have several clerks at our disposal to assist us in researching.
<Chairman_Singh> One last question from me, Mrs. Ayodele. How do you view the relation between the federal government and the states? Will you protect the states from excesses in federal power?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> The States and the Federal Government have very clearly delineated powers. If any federal law oversteps its granted powers and attempts to encroach upon the states, it is unconstitutional plain and simple. If anyone should, state or federal governments, be in breach of the constitution, I will defend those harmed.
<Reza_Kassem> One last question from me as well, Mrs. Ayodele. The Mayor of Fortaleza, Nick Hackysack, has been a consistent critic of the Fernãoan Capital Act's constitutionality. His administration has filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the High Court of Fernão, challenging the act. Do you believe that the Fernãoan Capital Act is constitutional?
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> I do not know of a Mayor Hackysack.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Is this a hypothetical question?
<Reza_Kassem> An aide, after frantically motioning at me throughout my question, has informed me that the Mayor's surname is pronounced Haverkamp. I apologize for the confusion.
<Alemayehu_Ayodele> Thank you for the clarification Mr. Kassem. I would have to review the facts of the case.
<Reza_Kassem> Understandable. Thank you.
<Chairman_Singh> Mr. Kshatriya, any more questions?
<Raghav_Kshatriya> No I do not
<Chairman_Singh> Thank you for your time, Mrs. Ayodele.
<Chairman_Singh> I move to suspend the rules and recommend Mrs. Ayodele favorably to the full Senate by unanimous consent.
<Raghav_Kshatriya> Seconded
<Reza_Kassem> Seconded
<Chairman_Singh> So ordered. The meeting is adjourned.

"Mister President, the Constitution also specifies that the President shall specify the length of time of the appointment. However, I consider the question answered.

"I would also ask, noting that she has consulted with several of our members while they were drafting legislation. Is there a list of bills she has consulted on and, if so, can we please have that distributed to the members of this body and if not, could one please be generated and distributed to the members?

"As a separate point of inquiry related to the overall executive session instead of the specific matter before us, could a list of the nominees for the judiciary please be distributed to the members to help us prepare for the coming votes and debate?"

"If the honorable senator could elaborate as to whom she is?

And to answer his question, Mister President, this nominee is the only one to have met the requisite requirements to reach executive session, the three other nominees are still awaiting committee hearings which still need an appointment from the minority leader."

[House of Judah]

"Mister President, the Constitution also specifies that the President shall specify the length of time of the appointment. However, I consider the question answered.

"I would also ask, noting that she has consulted with several of our members while they were drafting legislation. Is there a list of bills she has consulted on and, if so, can we please have that distributed to the members of this body and if not, could one please be generated and distributed to the members?

"As a separate point of inquiry related to the overall executive session instead of the specific matter before us, could a list of the nominees for the judiciary please be distributed to the members to help us prepare for the coming votes and debate?"

"If the honorable senator could elaborate as to whom she is?

And to answer his question, Mister President, this nominee is the only one to have met the requisite requirements to reach executive session, the three other nominees are still awaiting committee hearings which still need an appointment from the minority leader."

"'She' would be the nominee, and it was my understanding that members had been appointed. I will speak with the Minority Leader about this."

[Lykens]

"If the honorable senator could elaborate as to whom she is?

And to answer his question, Mister President, this nominee is the only one to have met the requisite requirements to reach executive session, the three other nominees are still awaiting committee hearings which still need an appointment from the minority leader."

"'She' would be the nominee, and it was my understanding that members had been appointed. I will speak with the Minority Leader about this."

"I thank the honorable member for clarifying, can he point me to specific mentions of the nominee consulting on legislation so that I may follow up with him on this topic?

And to notify this august body, Mister President only the member appointed for the committee on this nominee has been appointed by the Minority Leader so far."

[House of Judah]

"From the biography submitted to this body, she 'became a key legal adviser to several up and coming politicians.' I took this to mean she was consulting on legislation. If not, and it is concerning confidential attorney-client information, then I will withdraw the question."