Patrick Leahy: “today we consider a nominee for the new position of Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. All…”

“today we consider a nominee for the new position of Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. All too often, in the Bush-Cheney administration, national security has been cited as a justification for overriding the rule of law and for imposing unprecedented secrecy. With the acquiescence of the Republican-controlled Congress, this administration may be the most unresponsive in history and the most unaccountable. Ken Wainstein is President Bush's selection to be the first Assistant Attorney General for National Security, a new position created by Congress. I will not oppose this nomination in the hope that Mr. Wainstein will work with us and be responsive to the Senate. I have concerns about this administration's unilateral approach to national security issues. Four years ago, the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department issued a secret legal opinion concluding that the President of the United States had the power to override domestic and international laws outlawing torture.…”