"I deeply respect his intellect, his integrity, his financial knowledge, and his commitment to public service."
"If confirmed, I believe General Kagan will be an outstanding Solicitor General."
"the premier agency for the people of this country in protecting the rule of law, representing the people of this Nation, and holding anyone who violates our laws accountable, even if it is the Preside..."
"partisan politics played within the Department of Justice as it relates to the retirement and promotion of career attorneys."
"I very much support your statement of aggressively enforcing the laws of our country regardless of your personal views."
"I want to know what priority you intend to place on the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice."
"So we expect that message to be very clear to all the people in the Department of Justice as to restoring the confidence that partisan politics will not play a role in the deployment of career personn..."
"I would also hope that there would be some transparency in making those judgments so that there is an opportunity for input and challenge if it is a fundamental issue."
"I want to make sure the Solicitor General is going to be sensitive to the role that you can play in making sure that the appropriate protections are maintained within our Constitution."
"Without objection, they will be made part of the record."
"Dean Kagan will bring distinction to the office, continue its highest traditions, be a forceful advocate for the United States before the Supreme Court."
"Thank you, Senator Kaufman."