SEN. NUNN: Mr. President, I will vote to confirm Judge Thomas. When I announced earlier this year that I would support the nomination of Judge Thomas, I did so because I was convinced that he met the tests of intellect, integrity, and openmindedness. Now, we are faced with a different set of circumstances, an allegation that we all are very familiar with, having watched the proceeding.
Mr. President, I would ask that my complete statement be put in the record. I do not have time to go into the reasons, but I would like to say that I believe the weight of the evidence supports Judge Thomas' denial.
I do not, however, join those who believe that Anita Hill's testimony is incredible or even unbelievable. There is much that lends weight to her testimony and demands that that testimony be strongly considered, which I think the Senate is doing. I've talked to too many women who have experienced sexual harassment in silence and without complaint. I know that some of my colleagues conclude that this could not have happened the way Anita Hill described it. I believe it could have, but I do not believe that the weight of evidence sustains the conclusion that it did.
Mr. President, in casting my vote, I believe the whole case that we've heard in the last few days has underscored the need for the men of this country to do some serious soul searching about their behavior toward their female colleagues in the workplace. And I believe also that while the women in this country have a right to demand and should demand that the men be sensitive on these issues, they also have a corresponding obligation to make every effort to report in timely ways claims of sexual harassment. While I can understand that delay or silence may seem like a rational alternative to many women in these kinds of situations, we must recognize that being timely in putting forth a claim is essential to a fair and accurate resolution of these types of claims.
Mr. President, the confirmation process we've witnessed over the lsat week has been a wrenching experience for Clarence Thomas, for Anita Hill, and I believe, for all Americans, both men and women, a little closer to understanding each others' needs for fairness, decency, and respect in the workplace.
VICE PRESIDENT QUAYLE: The senator's time has expired. And without objection, the entire statement will be put in the record. Under previous order, the Republican leader is recognized from 5:30 to 5:45, the Majority Leader from 5:45 to 6:00.