Patrick Leahy

We have to ensure that the forensic science rises to the highest scientific standards, has the maximum possible reliability.

I think every crime victim in America deserves to have the highest quality of forensics examination, whether it's DNA or whatnot.

The Supreme Court held in the case of Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts that forensic examiners must present evidence in court.

Rush hour means you sometimes have 5 to 10 cars every 10 minutes or so.

Many times now, because of, I call it the 'CSI effect', people are saying, OK, where is the DNA evidence?

Today Senator Patrick Leahy announced Congress is withholding about $100 million in aid intended to help battle Mexico's drug cartel.

Congress is withholding about $100 million in aid intended to help battle Mexico's drug cartel.

We urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation and to allow lawsuits by injured patients.

I don't think anyone questions that advances in medical device technology have improved the quality of life for Americans.

The question that we must grapple with today is how to create public policy that puts patients' health first by protecting them from unnecessary harm.

It's humbling to be joining the first committee to refer a national health reform bill out of a Senate committee in more than 15 years.

I would rather have legislation move that reflects your interests as well as their interests.

Yes, but what I hear in the letters that your organization asks people to send to me...

I just want to make sure I fully understand.

We are not celebrities; we are regular folks who work hard to help provide a decent living for our families, and we simply seek to be fairly compensated for our work.

The challenge facing us as lawmakers is how to encourage innovation, growth, and competition while at the same time protecting artists, musicians, and authors.

I mean, are you saying the radio station, if we were to pass something, would be free to use any recording unless the artist has specifically called that radio station and said, 'I do not want you using mine'?

I actually know most of the performers, and I know most of the radio station owners.

Music, I think, is an invaluable part of all our lives.

I cannot praise Senator Feinstein enough, who has talked to me considerably when we are not in the Committee about the importance of this.

I think they have got to finally sit down and work with us.

I say to Senator Sessions, who knows what that kind of a caseload is...

We hope and look forward to a good group of nominations from this administration.

We need to have a strong Patent Office.

I think the Senators that just testified being strong in their support for these nominees is always most meaningful to me.