Dianne Feinstein

I just want to say that at this time I would oppose that legislation.

I hope the House passes it and sends it to the President for his signature.

The Senate passed a bill that Senator Grassley and I did called the Targeting Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2011

One of the reasons that I think the question on stare decisis or precedent is always asked is because we see so much of it being broken, and particularly for me, in the area of women's rights and women's reproductive systems.

I am very proud to support them both, and I thank you.

The public needs to have confidence in the judiciary, and they need to have confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary.

Are you committed to following precedent of the Supreme Court and the Third Circuit even though you may disagree with it?

I have been on this Committee now for 19 years, going on 20, and have sat on the hearings of many Supreme Court Justices.

I would continue what I have done for nearly 11 years as a magistrate judge, which is strictly follow the rule of law.

The Federal courts have a special responsibility to make sure that every person is treated fairly under the law, that our disputes are resolved according to the law, and that all our rights are protected.

I want to thank Senator Schumer for his very nice remarks in the beginning of this session.

I have established a bipartisan judicial selection committee in California which reviews nominees for their skill and legal temperament.

I want you to know that is important to me.

If the Supreme Court upholds the First Circuit's decision striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, would you faithfully follow the Supreme Court's decision?

I actually believe people can do this. I think it is hard, but I think they can do it.

Could you please describe the nature of your work in the Pennsylvania Republican Party and Republican political campaigns?

If a judge's impartiality can reasonably be questioned, it is really essential that the judge recuse himself or herself.

One of the big issues of concern has been the principle of stare decisis, precedent.

The public has a right to expect that when they appear before the court, that the court most importantly is going to possess integrity.

I am just here to indicate my support for these two nominees to what are essential judicial emergency vacancies on the District Court of Northern California.

Precedent is the foundation of the rule of law.

I have actually for nearly 45 years been involved in the sentencing process, first as district attorney, as a Federal prosecutor, as a defense lawyer, and finally 15 years as a judge.

I think that one of the most important things is respect for everyone--the litigants, the attorneys, and everyone who comes before the court.

Thanks very much, Senator Schumer, for those words. It is greatly appreciated.

I would now like to ask the senior Senator from the great State of New York, Senator Schumer, to introduce Judge Geraci.