Flake recognized that the non-binding resolution is a long shot to become law. “No, no no,” the retiring senator responded when asked if he thought lawmakers would heed the resolution’s instructions. “We didn’t think they would.” But Flake said he was satisfied with the symbolic vote and that he would not block Trump’s judicial nominees going forward, as he has threatened to do in recent weeks. He added that he expects a vote on a version of the bill that has teeth in the near future.
When asked if Republican leaders had given him assurances that such a vote would take place, the retiring senator admitted he had received “no assurance there.” Still, he argued that the non-binding resolution had accomplished something by forcing Republican senators to take a public stance, one way or another, on the legislation. “We put members on record supporting Congress having a role,” he said. “Now, once you vote that way, how can you say to your constituents, ‘Well, when it’s real, I’m not going to vote this way?’”
But on Wednesday, a number of Flake’s colleagues were quick to say that they would not support the legislation if it were “real.”
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