Patrick Leahy

The Department of Justice has to make determinations outside of politics.

The President issued an Executive order on January 22nd of last year prohibiting the use of any interrogation technique not authorized by the Army Field Manual.

We all know the famous Shakespeare, Hotspur, 'I can call them from the frothy depths,' the response, of course, being, 'Well, so can I, so can anybody.' But will they come when you summon them?

The fact is that the law requires them to be retained. They were not retained.

I just want to know the facts.

I recall when millions of e-mails mysteriously disappeared during the Bush administration.

In my view, President Bush was actually disserved by the lawyers who worked for him.

I do believe we need a true accounting and a comprehensive, nonpartisan review.

These lawyers told the administration not what President Bush should have heard, but rather what Vice President Cheney wanted to hear.

I had the temerity once, when Dick and I were trying to figure out what was in the amendment, and I raise my hand, and I said, 'Mr. Chairman, could you tell me what was in that amendment that we just passed?'

I have been best of friends for over 30 years.

The President and the Attorney General should bring the investigation of these CIA personnel who relied in good faith on this legal advice to a close immediately.

We should never, ever forget our basic values.

I am going to use every power I have to defend this country.

The torture of individuals was not just a violation of our laws and treaties; it handed al Qaeda a valuable propaganda tool to gain new recruits.

Without question, our Government institutions were undermined. The rule of law was disrespected.

I wanted to take it out of politics, have been something like the 9/11 Commission look into it.

I commend Seldon for using its technology to help the many Haitians who are still desperately in need of assistance.

I was concerned when the first plans came out, they were going to take 10 acres of prime farmland from an adjacent landowner.

Are there going to be any public hearings in Vermont on this project?

I do not want a plan just for the sake of a plan.

But you could let me know.

Will there be another public meeting on it, do you know?

I keep getting asked the question back in Vermont, is there a need to keep this port open?

I would have assumed your predecessors would have done that, but I am glad you have done that.