Eric Holder

I do not know all the facts there, but it is potentially a hate crime.

This is a priority for us.

I thought that the action that the administration had taken was inconsistent with the dictates of FISA.

It was my determination that the better view of the statute was that it was constitutional.

I think there is the need for aggressive action by the Justice Department in this field.

I think the time is right, the time is now for the passage of this legislation.

It is a Second Amendment right.

I think that the administration's position is that, with regard to this particular program, there are better ways perhaps that we could do this.

Yes. The Supreme Court has indicated as such.

I think that the closure of Guantanamo--the decision to close Guantanamo by the President was a correct one.

Absolutely, Senator. This is a priority for us. I testified on behalf of this hate crimes bill 10 years ago.

This is a priority for this Department of Justice to hold people accountable who have defrauded huge numbers of people.

I wouldn't have taken this job unless I was here to advance the interests of an institution in which I grew up and which I love.

I think Secretary Napolitano and I both agree that coordination between DHS and the Justice Department has not necessarily been as good as it needs to be.

I share the concern that you have expressed, and I have raised that with Secretary Napolitano.

That is probably my top priority now, Senator.

Our desire is not to do anything that would be perceived as political, as partisan.

We will look at these cases on an individualized basis.

It is something that will be a priority for this administration as well.

I would like to think that we have a special expertise in the Justice Department in that regard.

I want to thank you for this opportunity to discuss my priorities for the Department.

The Department is responsible for defending the interests of the United States according to the law; ensuring public safety against threats both foreign and domestic.

If there is a rendition taking a person to a place where the possibility is that person might be tortured, that is the kind of rendition I think that is inappropriate.

I prefer President Obama's approach. I think it is time to look forward, and I hope he sticks to that point of view.

I wouldn't want to restrict the ability of our Government to use all the techniques that we can to keep the American people safe.