Her story resonates with all Americans. She is proof that in our country, in our country, there is no limit, even for those of us from the most humble of backgrounds.

I think we can be assured she will do it as a Justice.

I want to thank all of you, and you just did a marvelous job in stating your opinions.

I think that may be reflected in the fact that she has been endorsed--in our last panel, Louis Freeh, who had been appointed by George H.W. Bush and, also, served as the FBI director.

We are confident that Judge Sotomayor is extraordinarily well qualified to serve as a justice for the Supreme Court.

Judge Sotomayor has written or joined more than 3,000 opinions in her 17 years as a judge and she has never used foreign law to interpret the Constitution or statutes.

Her extensive judicial record shows that her background and her experiences do not detract from her ability to adhere to the rule of law.

The Joint Economic Committee will come to order.

Does that tend to be an indicator that there is some glimmer of hope here?

Let us all remember that there are real people behind these statistics.

That is what led us in Congress to extend unemployment benefits, something that we always did in the past.

These televised hearings over the years have taught Americans a lot about our Constitution and the role that the courts play in upholding and defending it.

I take this oath very seriously as we consider your nomination, Judge Sotomayor.

I have admired your strength and integrity in leading this Committee.

I plan to follow the example of my good friend and predecessor, Paul Wellstone, who was willing and ready to partner with his colleagues across the aisle to do the work of the American people.

It's an incredible honor to be here, less than week into my term as a United States Senator.

Isn't there a compelling, overriding First Amendment right here for Americans to have access to the Internet?

This trend threatens to undermine the greatest engine of free speech and commerce since the printing press.