Justice Stevens' judicial philosophy may be hard to label, but his integrity is rock solid.

I cannot imagine anybody saying we should go back to Plessy v. Ferguson because that was decided first.

the Court, regrettably, I think, has become an ideological battleground.

Presidents make their selections based on ideology.

The Supreme Court decision had real impact on real people's lives.

Solicitor General Kagan brings both moderation and pragmatism to a Court that is sorely in need of both.

We need a Justice who can create moderate majorities on this immoderate Supreme Court.

It is an embarrassment that Senators do not insist that a nominee reveal what kind of Justice she would make by disclosing her views on important legal issues.

The Supreme Court was on the side of the American people when it ruled in Roe v. Wade that the constitutional right to privacy exists.

The Supreme Court plays a unique and central role in the life of our Nation.

Judges have to approach every case with an open mind and a commitment to fairness.

The genius of our Founders was to establish a Constitution firm enough to enshrine freedom and the rule of law as guiding principles, yet flexible enough to sustain a young Nation that was destined to grow into the greatest, the richest…

The rightward shift of the Court under Chief Justice Roberts is palpable.

we have an obligation not to base our decision on empty political slogans or on charges of guilt by association or on any litmus test.

I believe the President's decision to replace General McChrystal was the right decision. The published comments of the general and his aides were unquestionably insubordinate. They portrayed extraordinarily poor judgment and disrespect…

I can't remember when anybody's been asked such a wide variety of questions or answered them as forthrightly as you have.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for being responsive to that.

Senator Leahy's proposed Survivors Equality Act of 2010 would appropriately amend DOHSA to include recovery for loss of society.

This afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee began the hearing on the nomination of Elena Kagan to succeed Justice Stevens on the Supreme Court of the United States. Solicitor General Kagan appropriately included a tribute to Justice…

I appreciated your recognition of his service to the country in your opening statement Solicitor General Kagan.

Today the Senate is proceeding on only one of the 23 judicial nominees stalled by Republican obstruction from action by the Senate. The nominee the Senate will confirm tonight has been stalled for more than 10 weeks, even though his…

I believe all of us who served with him and knew Senator Byrd were saddened by the news of his passing. No Senator came to care more about the Constitution or was a more effective defender of our constitutional government than the senior…

You spoke eloquently about the rule of law, securing the blessings of liberty, about the Constitution, and about your respect for all three branches of our democratic Government.

One of the things that will change slightly our schedule this week is the death of Senator Byrd.

I am announcing that the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the confirmation hearing on the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court beginning on June 28.