Arlen Specter

I have had extensive discussions and have confidence that they have very comprehensive answers.

I approach the hearing with a little different perspective because I know Comcast and I know Brian Roberts.

Mr. Schwartzman's prepared testimony, Mr. Roberts, points out that you are making a contention that Section 616 is unconstitutional.

The threat posed by Iran armed with nuclear weapons is obvious and very serious. It is a threat which applies for the region, for the world. It is a vital national security interest of the United States that Iran not be armed with nuclear…

I agree with strong comprehensive efforts to eliminate the annual Federal deficit and reduce the national debt. Regrettably, the events of the past several decades demonstrate that Congress has failed to demonstrate the political will to…

I thank the distinguished Senator from Illinois for those kind remarks. We have worked together very harmoniously. On occasions where we voted differently, it was always in the spirit of collegiality. One personal note. He and I are…

How effective has that been?

When I was District Attorney, there was a lot of corruption in the bail system, implicated with a magisterial system where there were shake-downs and people who were under arrest.

When was the decision made to start putting Philadelphia fugitives into the national system next May?

Senator Durbin and Senator Elizabeth Dole had similar legislation.

So it's a breakdown nationally, not just Philadelphia. We've got a lot of company.

And how does that work?

Well, we will pursue it, Mr. Preski, as you say, with the individuals who are charged to try to find out where the laxity has been and why it's going to take so long, until May.

Two hundred and fifty thousand.

The factual situation also, as reported, is that Philadelphia is owed $1 million in bail monies, but they cannot be collected because of the absence of computerized records.

So your point is, you've had insufficient funding to have the personnel to handle these problems?

We want to be helpful to you. You've got a big job and we want to help you carry it out.

Why should it take until May to start entering these fugitives in the national system?

So with that tremendous number of additional people who have jumped bail around the country, State and local, it seems the Federal Government has it pretty well in control, as described here today.

Is there a separate offense for jumping bail?

Isn't the practical effect of not reporting to the national clearinghouse fugitives really knowing the system, gaming the system, remaining at large and really thumbing their nose at the Philadelphia criminal justice system?

Thank you very much, Mr. Preski.

Are you aware of the audit of the Office of Clerk of Quarter Sessions just released this week for the years 2007 and 2008?

In Philadelphia, the defendants know that there is no certainty.

Do you think it's too tough to subject grandma to the possible loss of her home?