I have the great pleasure to speak in support of the confirmation of my friend and colleague, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to be our next Secretary of State. Secretary-designee Clinton's stature, intellect, her experience make her uniquely…

I am extremely disappointed. But they have that right. And this historic, historic nomination is held over.

Madam Presdient, today, the Judiciary Committee is conducting the confirmation hearing of Mr. Eric Holder to be the next Attorney General of the United States. One of the Justice Department's essential roles in our Federal system of…

I can't think of a better person to fill this position.

It has been a great privilege to assist you in your work as a tireless champion for Vermont and the men and women of the National Guard.

At a time of increasing inter-party rancor on the Hill, we forged a bipartisan, bicameral consensus on the need to better support the efforts of the Guard and, in turn, the Reserves.

The 95-member U.S. Senate National Guard Caucus, which I co-chair along with Senator Kit Bond of Missouri, played an integral role in that review and implementation of new policies.

At the same time, the Guard and Reserve support for homeland duties was at an all time high.

I directly assisted the Senator in his role as a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

I am pleased to be with you this morning to express my strong support for Daniel Ginsberg who has been nominated by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

The budget priorities of the Bush administration have weakened some of our most important federal anti-crime programs.

It has been a singular and unforgettable experience to be able to play a supporting role in your efforts to help strengthen this critical component of the Total Force.

I have been encouraged by the initial reaction of many Republicans, including some serving on this Committee, when Mr. Holder's name was reported as the likely nominee.

The Justice Department has been slow, ineffective, and sometimes obstructionist in implementing these programs.

Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, who is leaving to become Vice President.

The responsibilities of the Attorney General of the United States are too important to have this appointment delayed by partisan bickering.

It is very clear I am going to vote for you.

We do it for everybody, black, white, Hispanic, whatever they might be, poor, rich, to make sure that the right to vote in this country is given to everybody.

A threshold question lawmakers should ask is whether reporters will obey the law if it is enacted.

Isn't it amazing, what a busy day this is in the Senate?

I will work with Senator Kyl and Senators on both sides of the aisle on that, but especially on these immigration matters.

The Attorney General position must be filled quickly. We remain a Nation at war and a Nation that faces the continuous threat of a terrorist attack.

Whistleblowers who raise concerns with management or who bring concerns to Congress and cooperate with congressional oversight efforts should be protected, not retaliated against.

I hope that I have your assurance that, if you are confirmed, you will assist me with oversight activities.

I urge the Senate to confirm Eric Holder as the next Attorney General of the United States. He will make us all proud.