Reid: McConnell’s Following ‘Marching Orders’ From Trump, Cruz On SCOTUS

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. fields questions at the Washoe County party headquarters in Reno, Nev., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, where he spoke about the future of the Supreme Court and the state of Nevada... Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. fields questions at the Washoe County party headquarters in Reno, Nev., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, where he spoke about the future of the Supreme Court and the state of Nevada's upcoming Democratic presidential caucuses during the gathering to kick off a caucus training session. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) MORE LESS
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Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on Tuesday accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) of taking orders from GOP presidential candidates to delay the confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee.

Speaking from the Senate floor, Reid called McConnell’s resistance to confirming a nominee “obstruction on steroids.”

“Senator McConnell is leading the charge to obstruct and cheapen the presidency at all costs regardless of the damage it does to our democracy,” Reid said.

Reid wagered that McConnell’s reluctance to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died at age 79 earlier this month, was a “marching order” from Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

“Unfortunately, the Republican leader is listening to Donald Trump and the junior senator from Texas. He’s not listening to mainstream America,” Reid continued. “He’s not listening to the few voices of reason coming from his own party, even from his own senators.”

Right before Reid spoke, McConnell again reiterated that the Senate wouldn’t vote on President Obama’s nomination and would instead wait until the election is over to review a candidate. But Reid said it was not “too late to change course,” challenging the majority leader to put in work.

“Reject the extremist approach propagated by the likes of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. It will only hurt our country. Put aside this obstruction and work with President Obama to fill this crucial vacancy on the Supreme Court,” Reid said. “Do your job. All we’re saying is do your job. Do your job.”

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