Patrick Leahy

Here in Vermont, the dairy industry is a pillar of our State's economy and our landscape, but also our culture.

I want to thank Representative Peter Welch, who was unable to be here. He's leading the charge in the dairy crisis in the House.

I remain committed to the notion that only increased competition is going to give insurers the incentive they need to keep the costs down.

We should not be surprised to learn that 60 years later the insurance industry is one of the most highly concentrated in our economy.

I would state, however, that we have had--on our side of the aisle, we have had 11 Senators who have taken part in this.

Well, the late Senator Kennedy had espoused hate crime legislation, and I am proud to follow his lead in doing that.

A prosecutor wants to make sure they have got the right person. The worst thing is you convict the wrong person.

What do we do with forensic programs around the country?

I appreciate Director Mueller's continued dedication to working with Congress to ensure that the FBI can effectively pursue its critical missions in law enforcement and national security while maintaining the values and freedoms that…

We abhor hate crimes of any sort, whether they are against Latinos, blacks, people because of their gender or sexual identification.

I have been disturbed by some of the things I have heard.

For the interest of justice, it has to be accurate.

I will join with the distinguished Senator from Iowa to help get those answers because...

Will you have oversight of the HIG to make sure that their methods are legal and effective?

But your department will have the oversight in that?

The HIG is being created to improve the ability of the United States to interrogate dangerous terrorists effectively, and doing it in a manner not only consistent with our law but consistent with the values that make America different than…

The Senator from Iowa has been as much a leader on these whistleblower matters as any Senator of either party.

It shows how serious we take this.

I think we should ask ourselves whether it would be appropriate to impose a nationwide moratorium on the death penalty.

The key point for today's hearing is that the prosecution of Cameron Todd Willingham... rested largely on forensic evidence.

Good morning everybody. Please sit down. Please, I'm sorry. I was somewhat plagued getting in.

In March this Committee began our examination of the serious problems in forensic science that go to the very heart of our criminal justice system.

I am confident that this Committee will not let that happen and will do the right thing.

What folks have to realize about these cases, as Senator Franken pointed out, is it's not just about exonerating innocent people.

It can take well over an hour to go 10 miles, it seems like.