I want to, at the outset, extend my apology that earlier in the hearing, the Senator from Rhode Island characterized the testimony that we have heard from witnesses on this panel as 'conspiracy theories and sound bites for Fox News.'

I find it remarkable that you are unable to answer that question.

If you were confirmed as Attorney General, would you commit to this Committee to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the IRS abuse of power who, at a very minimum, is not a major Obama donor?

One of the terrific things about the Department of Justice is that it has a long and bipartisan tradition of remaining above the fray from partisan politics, of demonstrating a fidelity to law.

when the Department was willing to stand up to the President, when the Attorney General behaved not as if he or she were the personal lawyer for the President.

It would be patently unconstitutional for any subsequent President to refuse to enforce the tax laws, or the labor laws, or the immigration laws.

there are many of us who are alumni of the Department of Justice, who have most respected the Department.

I have to say it was disappointing yesterday that Ms. Lynch also expressed no concern about the First Amendment rights of citizens.

I agree with you that the question is where do you draw the line.

It resolved it unanimously, 9-0. It rejected the Holder Justice Department's position.

I sent a letter to Attorney General Holder laying out the facts and asking him to follow the bipartisan tradition of his predecessors and uphold the rule of law.

I commend you for having the courage to speak out about your concerns about the constitutional dimensions of the conduct of the Executive.