Russ Feingold

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Senator Boxer and Senator Feingold for bringing the issue of sexual and gender-based violence to the attention of the United States Government.

It ought to be a central part of our foreign policy.

The best way to erode this absolute authority... is through peace deals that allow for power-sharing gradually

Unless you do this, we're pulling the plug.

I'm, of course, honored to be cochairing this hearing with Senator Boxer, who has been a great leader in raising awareness about the many challenges facing women and girls around the world.

I would like express my sincere appreciation to Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Russell Feingold for their remarkable effort to bring the issue of sexual violence and gender-based violence against women to the attention of the United…

I commend Senator Feingold and Senator Boxer for their initiative in holding this hearing.

Let me be clear: This so-called enhanced interrogation program was illegal, it was contrary to our national values, and it undermined our national security.

I continue to believe that an independent commission of inquiry, as Chairman Leahy has proposed, is needed so that we can fully understand and come to terms with this dark chapter in our recent history.

Any misconduct has to be fixed, but let's not have any confusion coming out of this hearing, that the issue that founded this has to do with rape and other conduct being used essentially as a form of genocide or war.

I think we need to do a lot more to invest in that, because it is a long-term critical investment.

the Obama administration must expand its role in addressing this regional dimension

I am a long-time supporter and defender of Federal assistance to State and local law enforcement.

I do remain concerned that the plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan has the potential to escalate, rather than diminish, the threat.

Adding 21,000 new troops in Afghanistan, I fear, could further destabilize Pakistan without providing substantial, lasting security improvements in Afghanistan.

Fortunately, President Obama wants to reverse the previous administration's failed policies.

Well, Mr. Chairman, I would have been pleased and proud to hear that answer from anyone in law enforcement, but I am particularly proud that the Chief of our largest city would be able to articulate that in such an eloquent and effective…

It said 'no' to the Administration's view that it could hold a citizen in the United States incommunicado indefinitely with no access to a lawyer.

I consider this a significant case that bears upon the flood of special interest money that threatens to undermine public confidence in our justice system.

I do want to express my very deep concern about where the Supreme Court may be heading.

It said 'no' to the Administration's decision to create military commissions without congressional authorization.

The ultimate responsibility of the Supreme Court is to safeguard the rule of law, which defines us as a nation and protects us all.

The Supreme Court denied an opportunity for those families who had suffered grievously from having their day in court.

I believe we have a right to know what we are getting before we give you a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land.

While it's hard to imagine that something positive could ever result from such a tragedy, there was a sense in those early days of coming together as one community that we would all help each other get through this.