Let me go to another hearing we had in our Subcommittee which dealt with sharing of information among intelligence agencies as well as with local law enforcement, and this has been a continuing battle.

And that could lead to prosecution or----

I am not sure we all agree with Senator Feinstein that there should be no exceptions to the rule.

It should never have been issued, but we have taken additional steps to ensure that the 'No record found' will, in fact, stop the adjudication.

Because how do we know that that will not happen--that is not happening right now?

Using your report based upon their response, it was predominantly a human error problem in the end.

There has got to be some really good reason for issuing a passport if you have not gotten the information back.

That is even more concerning.

we have an obligation to make sure that our system is done in an adequate way.

If you believe that the law is inadequate as it relates to those people who have Social Security numbers and providing information for you to do an adequate check, then let us know.

I appreciate that. I think there are two separate issues here.

I am still not comfortable that we have a system in place that will stop the issuance of a passport, checks have been made as to whether this person has a valid Social Security number or not.

The passport is the gold standard for identification in this country.

That obviously is a significant breach in the security system of our country.

this is a matter of, I think, extreme importance for national security.

We do require a Social Security number, but we cannot refuse to adjudicate a passport if someone does not provide a Social Security number.

If there is a need for us to strengthen the laws on passport issuance, we want to hear from you.

Well, I thank you. That is a very meaningful response, and we all do know about those causes.

We think everyone has an obligation to--particularly lawyers.

The record will remain open.

We look to the Federal Government, the Justice Department, as providing the strength to fight those issues.

We would urge the nominees to try to answer those questions as promptly as possible.

Earlier today, I joined some of our colleagues before the Supreme Court in oral argument on the Voting Rights Act and its constitutional challenge.

The hearing is adjourned.

What is your attitude about philosophy or partisan politics as it relates to the hiring and promotion of career attorneys?