“I congratulate Senator Gregg on his nomination to be the next Secretary of Commerce. I served with Senator Gregg on the Budget Committee for many years and worked together with him to advocate several budget reforms.  Moreover, his service for several years as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State has given him a solid grounding in Commerce Department programs.  He is well qualified for this position. 

“But the apparent behind-the-scenes deal-making that went on to determine who will fill Senator Gregg's vacancy is alarmingly undemocratic. Once again, Americans will be represented in the Senate for nearly two years by someone they had no hand in electing.  As the number of Senators appointed to their seats continues to rise, it’s increasingly clear that we need to fix this constitutional anachronism.  It is time to pass a constitutional amendment to end appointments by governors and the political gamesmanship they encourage.”