When you look at the caseload that faces the Federal Circuit Court, we talked about some of the things, intellectual property cases I think take up a third of the matters that are involved there.

So was that Egan decision based on a court evaluation of the statute as written or precedent in cases that preceded it?

One of the cases the lead counsel in for the SEC involves a fraud action against Sentinel Management Company.

In my view, the most important quality for a judge to possess is impartiality, respectfulness, respect not just for the parties who appear in the court but also just the respect for the institution of the judiciary, respect for the rule of law.

Ms. Wood, your work at the SEC is involved with complex issues and litigation.

Mr. Chairman, it is an honor to introduce Penny Pritzker, the President's nominee to be Secretary of Commerce.

I think one of the most important hearings we held in this room was... on the issue of solitary confinement.

Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Sessions, and I know that you are busy with a bill on the floor.

Mr. Hughes, when you were a trial attorney for the Justice Department, you were involved in several cases relating to the harbor maintenance tax...

I and the Department are firmly committed to the Whistleblower Protection Act and think that it is a critical role to protecting Federal workers and, indeed, to the operation of our Government.

Those of us who had an opportunity or privilege to practice before any Federal courts have our opinions about what makes a good Federal judge and what makes a bad one.

Senator, why do you Senators always pick prosecutors to be judges? You should be more balanced in your approach.

I fully support her nomination and look forward to working with her as she becomes President Obama's Secretary of Commerce.

I believe that a good judge is a judge that follows the rule of law so that the parties know what to expect when coming before a judge; that a good judge is also courteous and kind and respectful, shows no bias toward any party; and, finally, that a judge works efficiently and expediently because justice delayed is justice denied.

I believe, Senator, I have the characteristics that I could perform in that manner.

It is a great assignment. Just about everything you can think of falls within the jurisdiction of that Subcommittee.

Thank you for the opportunity to be here today.