Patrick Leahy: “the Senate today considers the nomination of Asa Hutchinson to become the first Undersecretary of Border and…”

“the Senate today considers the nomination of Asa Hutchinson to become the first Undersecretary of Border and Transportation Security for the Department of Homeland Security. I will vote for this nomination, but not without reservations. In addition to his service as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, most of us in the Senate also know Asa Hutchinson from the substantial amount of time he spent on the floor of the Senate a few years ago during the impeachment trial of President Clinton. He and I were both involved in the deposition phase of that trial, and although we reached opposite conclusions on the question of impeachment, I found him to be a skilled attorney and advocate for his position, and a very likable colleague. Because of my respect for him, I expedited his 2001 nomination to head the DEA. I noticed a hearing only days after becoming chairman of the Judiciary Committee, held the hearing the following week, and scheduled a committee vote for the earliest possible time. I then worked with Senator Daschle to have the full Senate consider his nomination as quickly as possible. In his role as administrator, I believe he has done many things well. I do, however, have two concerns I would like to express today.”