I've been with the president when he has met with the families. And he has expressed, I think incredibly, his sympathy, and his concern, and his love for the men and women who have sacrificed and their families.

Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy called the appointment an 'abuse of power.'

Here's a man who really knows science and who really knows government. So it's a very, very profound change. It's an earthquake.

But I want the same deference given to John Roberts that I gave to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She wouldn't meet my litmus test of issues, but she is an academically qualified person of integrity with judicial temperament.

The nominee will be expected to answer fully so the American people will know whether Judge Roberts would uphold their rights. Anything less would make the Senate a mere rubber stamp.

Supreme Court justices have enormous power. With the flick of a pen, they can change our lives on issues like civil rights, and women's rights, and environment, and workers' rights, and what corporations can and cannot do.

We know Judge Roberts is no Sandra Day O'Connor, and the White House has sent a clear signal. There are serious questions that must be answered involving Judge Roberts' judicial philosophy.

It would be hard to find someone with better credentials than Judge Roberts.

No one is entitled to a free pass to a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.

He was one of the most fabulous witnesses we've ever seen before the Judiciary Committee.

I strongly support both of these nominees. I think they're extremely well qualified for these positions.

That's got to be a priority, and it's one that you've worked hard on, Mr. Chairman, and I have as well.

I want your commitment that you'll work with Democrats and Republicans alike and treat them equal in terms of your outreach and your work with them.

I have significant concerns about what is happening with respect to the allocation of water.

What we ought to be doing... is to roll that back to 7.5 million acre feet until we can restore balance.

I intend to be voting for you and I expect that you're going to get good bipartisan support for your confirmation.

The longer we postpone the solution to this flooding crisis, the more danger North Dakota, Canada, and surrounding areas will face. The Devils Lake outlet project needs to be in full operation as soon as possible.

The longer we postpone the solution to this flooding crisis, the more danger North Dakota, Canada, and surrounding areas will face. The Devils Lake outlet project needs to be in full operation as soon as possible.