designation of committee confidential. just because there is a senate rule doesn't mean it can be misapplied or misconstrued or misused. i think even the threat raised by one of my colleagues here is unfortunate. and that is a kind way of putting it with all due respect. i would make one other point. we're dealing here with a lifetime appointment. nothing we do here is more serious than confirming a justice on the united states supreme court. let the american people appreciate that we are here in the most solemn responsibility we have under the constitution. we need the full truth. just as this nominee is sworn to give it to us, we are entitled to it from our colleagues. and the question is, what are they concealing by this procedure? what are they afraid the