Regarding “Kudos to Lankford” (ScissorTales, April 23): On the 21st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, 15 of Judge Merrick Garland’s former colleagues on the bombing investigation and prosecution sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders in enthusiastic support of Garland’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Former federal prosecutor Donna Bucella recalled walking with Garland through the Murrah Building. “We went to the day care center” Bucella said. “Neither of us said anything, not until about 20 years later, about the emotional impact of that sight.” She added, “Merrick Garland is dedicated to following the rule of law.”

In a speech, Sen. Patrick Leahy echoed this by recalling perhaps the most iconic photo of that day, of a firefighter cradling Baylee Almon. Anyone who watches Leahy’s speech can see he spoke only with the utmost respect and reverence.

If anyone is “playing politics” with the Supreme Court, it is Sen. Lankford and his Republican colleagues, who are blocking Garland from even getting a hearing and a yes-or-no vote. America needs a fully staffed, fully functioning Supreme Court that can decide cases of profound importance to law enforcement and prosecutors who keep our nation safe, while ensuring that the people’s constitutional rights are protected. It is time for Lankford to do his job and call for hearings and a vote.