SENATOR COLLINS, CENTRISTS, ANNOUNCE COMPROMISE TO PROTECT FILIBUSTER, ENSURE VOTES FOR JUDICIAL NOMINEES, AVERT SENATE SHOWDOWN

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and a group of 13 centrist Senators tonight reached an agreement that will avert the impending showdown in the U.S. Senate over the use of filibusters to block judicial nominations. Senator Collins was essential to negotiating the compromise between seven Republicans and seven Democrats.

Following tonight's announcement, Senator Collins released the following statement:

"This compromise is a great victory for the United States Senate as an institution.

"This agreement is based on trust. And most important, it helps preserve the unique culture of this institution. It is a culture that is built upon a foundation of collegiality and cooperation that transcends partisanship. It is a culture in which legislative goals are reached with patience and perseverance, and through the art of negotiation and compromise. This agreement preserves that Senate culture and shows a respect for the important principles that make the Senate such a great institution.

"I am proud of our work to pursue a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation to avert this crisis. It was only possible because of the good faith, mutual respect, and trust that characterized our negotiations. We hope our work here today can be a model for us as we move forward to address the important issues facing our country."

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