Would you make available to me the paper you referred to with respect to the request to Roger Adams on the Rich issue?

Eric Holder is exactly the kind of attorney that we should trust as our Attorney General.

The Constitution calls for the United States Senate to advise and consent, and I agree with the Chairman about the necessity to help President-elect Obama tackle the problems of enormous difficulties which this Nation faces.

The basic issue of national security is perhaps the Attorney General's most important responsibility: to protect the American people.

January 15, 2009 Opening statement

I would not take as gospel everything that is contained in that House report, and we can certainly talk about the various things that I dispute.

You are a high-level professional, outstanding record, no doubt about your professional judgment.

I have not hesitated to oppose prominent members of my own party, asking pointed questions, which is the constitutional responsibility of a Senator in making an independent judgment.

The Attorney General is unlike any other Cabinet officer whose duty is to carry out the President's policies. The Attorney General has the corollary, independent responsibility to the people to uphold the rule of law.

Independence is a very important item.

Next to the President of the United States, there is no Federal officer more important than the Attorney General.

It seemed to me a pretty no-brainer with respect to conflict, also protecting the integrity of the investigation.

I think it was really unfortunate that you weren't consulted and at least given an opportunity to be heard about it.

I had told you, when we talked about it at the time... that I thought you were on very shaky grounds in not responding to a President's request.

You turned down the White House request for a briefing on campaign finance reform.

It is difficult to imagine a more compelling situation for appointing an independent counsel.

You say that the Rich pardon was a 'corrupt act.'

There is great disdain in the American public for disagreements or bickering in Washington, D.C.