And given the administration's stated commitment to combat piracy and the recent statements by national security leaders expressing concern that al-Qaeda is trying to gain new footholds in Somalia, don't we need a more serious and…

For years, I've been expressing my concern about the growing problem of lawlessness in and around Somalia.

Selling one's life insurance policy is a complex transaction that can be filled with hidden pitfalls.

I am very concerned about this practice, as I know you understand, of taking these trips and being involved in these kinds of boards.

I have a longstanding concern about Federal judges' accepting expense-paid judicial education trips from groups funded by wealthy contributors.

I believe that is exactly what they said, Senator, although they did say that merely reading the canons themselves did not provide an answer to the question.

I first introduced legislation to ban racial profiling in 2001, and President Bush actually promised in his first address to Congress to 'end racial profiling in America.'

Obviously, then, Judge, you agree that the committee was saying unequivocally that it was improper for Federal judges to serve on FREE's board.

I thank you for inviting me here to discuss the exposure of senior citizens to abusive life settlement practices.

Do you agree that this is still a problem in this country? And will you work with me on legislation to finally end it?

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to all the witnesses and congratulations on your nominations.

In today's tough economic climate, millions of seniors have lost a big part of their retirement and investments in only a matter of months.

Seniors are looking for ways to bolster their sagging savings.

Are we certain that APHIS will have sufficient resources and leadership to do its job during this time of surveillance?

I believe it is an individual right.

I think what the dean, of course, has demonstrated here is he clearly understands his role as legal counsel is very different from that as an academic and would be a true adherent to our Constitution and our laws.

I think this creates a process that could end-run the feeling on the part of a President that he needs to go through a process that would actually involve this kind of participation.

I'm not buying this al-Qaeda connection. I'm not buying the notion that Saddam Hussein is likely or ready to attack the United States.