Patrick Leahy

Senator Murray, a long-time supporter of VAWA, has introduced a bill I am proud to cosponsor.

You know, now is the time to look at where the needs might be, where there are some things that we should be looking at if we are going to be reauthorizing.

I was proud to work on the original VAWA bill.

We all know that the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, was a watershed piece of legislation.

We have to prioritize our response to the high rates of violence experienced by Native American and immigrant women.

We also must, as Senator Sessions recognized, assist State and local law enforcement responders to problems emanating from the border.

I share that commitment. I worked with President George W. Bush on that, and I shared his commitment to it.

I am encouraged by the Department's recent strengthening of airline passenger screening policies.

I believe that States can pass whatever laws they choose, provided they are consistent with the Constitution.

The choice between security and liberty is a false choice, as nothing is more likely to endanger America's liberty than the success of a terrorist attack at home.

I question whether some resolution could be found using the current footprint of the part of entry.

This is due in no small part to Congress' own actions to dedicate resources to the border.

I commend your decision to provide Haitian nationals in the United States with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Along our southern border, we are experiencing historic levels of drug-related violence that must be brought under control.

Will you commit to arranging a public meeting with the local community on this issue in the very near future?

There is a strong feeling that we need comprehensive immigration legislation just because it would reflect the realities of where we are today.

The President called the law misguided. He said it violates the basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans.

President Obama said recently that we should not undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans.

I would say to my distinguished friend from Wisconsin, I was delighted to hear those words about Gaylord Nelson. I had the privilege of serving for a term with Senator Nelson. He was down-to-earth, respected by all in this body, and he had…

The fairness of our system sometimes is skewed when someone does not have the ability to pursue their case in court.

The oath that you take indicates that you will execute justice to the poor and to the wealthy, that there be no distinction.

I don't think USAID is living up to its potential.

We cannot get there without the most modern farming techniques and biotechnology.

I think Dr. Shah's the right person at the right time and the right place.

I know the chair and I agree that your leadership is critically important at this time.