Patty Murray: “I am compelled to address the Senate this evening because one of our country's most dynamic, innovative, and successful…”

“I am compelled to address the Senate this evening because one of our country's most dynamic, innovative, and successful companies, Microsoft, has been the subject of an unfair and prejudicial target by anonymous sources in the Department of Justice. I am concerned that every time I pick up a newspaper I am informed of new information about the ongoing, supposedly confidential proceedings involving Microsoft and the Department of Justice. I ask only for fairness and that whatever verdict is derived, is argued through proper judicial channels and not played out through our nation's media. Some of you in this Chamber may say that Microsoft can speak for itself, that is has a voice loud enough to be heard. To that, I answer that no single voice is ever enough to speak over the Department of Justice and those anonymous few employees who are seemingly abusing its formidable power. When the integrity of such a profound legal proceeding is in jeopardy, however, no one should remain silent. In the Antitrust Division's extended, intense scrutiny of Microsoft, the company has faithfully worked to comply with each of the Division's request.”