Taxing any activity beyond the EU borders is a dangerous precedent and a violation of the sovereignty of nations across the world.

Nothing is more important than the face and voice of justice in the person of district court judges and other nominees whom we have today.

I am very pleased to call this hearing to order and to welcome Senators Levin and Boxer to introduce nominees from their States.

Thank you, Senator Lee, for your comments and your observations.

I think that fidelity to the rule of law is the hallmark of a good judge.

Thank you, Mr. Berg, and congratulations to the graduates.

I think it is so important to prevent... the kinds of incidents that are so troubling when they reflect racial and religious tensions.

I regard it as a privilege and an honor to preside at a hearing that has such a consequential role in our justice system.

Each of you knows, as I do, that the role of a district court judge is essentially to follow the law as it has been adopted by the legislature and interpreted by a court that generally is above you or has ruled before you.

My hope is that it will be truly a bipartisan process for you and for all the nominees to these very, very profoundly significant positions.

I consider each of these nominees extraordinarily well qualified.

Well, I think that this position is one of profound importance, although perhaps little understood by the general public.

I think that when we look at the entire country, it is really being aware of what is happening in those areas...

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Forest Service Airtanker Fleet

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