Dear Editor:
As the Supreme Court begins its second term without a ninth justice, the U.S. Senate should rise above the partisan fray and do what the Constitution requires: fairly and expeditiously consider the president's nominee.
Cases this new term focus on pivotal issues including immigration, criminal justice, civil and voting rights. We need nine justices and we need them now.
The Senate's failure to meet their obligation could undermine the proud tradition of our constitutional government transitioning peacefully and efficiently, especially during an election year.