I believe that there is a real competition. I believe that we play a critical role, a positive role in terms of development, in terms of promoting ideals of respect for human rights

Isn't there a real slippery slope there in the sense that if we can do that...

Do you agree with that general principle?

In response to an argument that the unfunded mandate requiring the States to expand the eligibility standards for Medicaid... you argued, as I understand it, that this was a policy argument, not a constitutional argument.

It seems odd to me that an Attorney General could be thought not to have standing to challenge a law that requires substantial investment on the part of the State.

For successful cyber security policy, we must encourage partnerships among many sectors. This cannot be solely a Government-led initiative.

China is directing the single largest, most intensive foreign intelligence gathering effort since the cold war against the United States.

S. 693, the GSE Bailout Elimination and Taxpayer Protection, that would effectively wind down the operations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac without offering a clear vision for the future housing system.

I will give my complete support to military missions to ensure our safety and their success.

I have serious concerns about the methodology--and lack of constitutional or legal authority--the administration employed in regards to our military actions in Libya.

I strongly support such hearings.

Ms. Virginia Seitz has been nominated to head the Office of Legal Counsel. She has the extensive private practice experience that the previous nominee lacked.

Well, let me just say this: You have impressive qualifications and a lot of support, and as I suggested in my opening statement, there are more concerns about the office than about you personally. In fact, I have a high respect for you.

That certainly would because the Department is already on record as saying it is reasonable.

The Department's duty is to make any reasonable argument that can be made.

I want you to understand that it is that important that the Solicitor General's office never be politicized in any way, shape, or form.

But do you believe that a change in policy, a political calculation-based policy decision should affect the way the Solicitor General operates in deciding when, whether, and under what circumstances to defend a law?

In my view, the administration has abandoned its duty to Congress in order to do a political favor for a political constituency.