June 7, 2007

“I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee for reporting favorably today on the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2007.  This is an important first step in reasserting our nation’s commitment to the rule of law and correcting the deeply flawed Military Commissions Act of 2006, which in its current form, does not provide a credible process for bringing suspected terrorists to justice.  I urge my colleagues to also support comprehensive legislation that I have offered: the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007.  In addition to restoring Habeas Corpus rights, this legislation bars evidence gained through torture or coercion and reinstates U.S. adherence to the Geneva Conventions in order to protect the nation’s military personnel abroad.”

June 7, 2007

“The nomination of James Holsinger demonstrates yet again how this Administration puts politics above the health and well-being of our nation’s citizens. I fear that Dr. Holsinger’s previous comments and actions will prevent him from representing each and every individual – the job of the Surgeon General.  The upcoming nomination hearing process will be an opportunity to formally place Dr. Holsinger’s views on the record.  The Bush Administration should use the position of the Surgeon General to improve and promote the Nation’s public health not to polarize it.” 

 

June 7, 2007


“I am deeply disappointed at the news that 615 people in Connecticut will be losing their jobs.  While some of the Stamford employees may have an opportunity to work at other locations across the country, their lives and their families’ lives will still be disrupted considerably.  I will do whatever I can—as I hope Proctor & Gamble will do as well—to help these employees who have lost their jobs in securing any assistance for which they are eligible, such as job retraining or Trade Adjustment Assistance.”

 

June 6, 2007

The Committee will please come to order.  This morning, the Committee examines the role of private student lending in keeping college affordable and accessible.  I want to thank Attorney General Cuomo and our other witnesses for their appearance today.

 

 

June 6, 2007

“Today I remember a distinguished colleague and a good friend, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming.

 

“Craig was a soft-spoken Senator, but no one was more dedicated to his state. From his childhood on a ranch in Cody, to his studies in agriculture at the state university, to his more than four decades in public service, Craig was a son of Wyoming through and through. And since his election to Congress in 1988, the people of his home state were his first priority. Craig’s services to rural America made him one of the most popular leaders in Wyoming history, regularly reelected by resounding margins. His work on rural health care and job creation improved the lives of thousands of Wyoming families, and thousands more rural families all over America. And as a Westerner, Craig was devoted to wilderness—to America’s open spaces—for his entire life.

June 4, 2007

“This decision demonstrates the egregious flaws of the Military Commissions Act, and makes the point once again that Congress must act immediately to change this law.  The current system of prosecuting enemy combatants is not only inefficient and ineffective, it is also hurting America’s moral standing in the world and corroding the foundation of freedom upon which our nation was built.  There is too much at stake – our nation’s security and standing in the world – for us to wait for another one of these poorly executed cases to make the necessary changes to this system.  I hope my colleagues in Congress will join me now in the fight to restore America’s moral authority in developing a tough but fair system of bringing terrorists to justice.”

May 31, 2007

“I look forward to reviewing Senator Obama’s request. As with all issues under the Banking Committee’s jurisdiction, I welcome the input of my colleagues on the Committee and other members of Congress.  Earlier this year, I voiced concern about executive compensation levels.  As I have said in the past, this issue speaks to deeper problems with our nation’s economy and, specifically, the growing gap between rich and poor.  Incomes for working families have leveled off even though the costs of daily necessities have increased.  This discrepancy conflicts with the fundamental American belief that with hard work come opportunities to fulfill the American dream such as homeownership and sending one’s children to college.  As Chairman, I am examining several options to address this issue, and am having conversations with Senator Shelby and others.  I will seek to find an appropriate time to address this very important issue.”

May 30, 2007

“I am hopeful that President Bush’s decision to recommend Robert Zoellick to World Bank members as the next president of the World Bank will restore the integrity and honor to the institution that was eradicated by Paul Wolfowitz’s flagrant disregard for ethical standards.  The importance of the World Bank’s mission cannot be overstated – the institution is influential in reducing poverty and promoting development and sound governance in the many nations in which it operates.  The head of such a premier organization must share a deep belief in these goals, and must have a steady moral footing in order to navigate the maze of challenges that come with the position.  I hope that Mr. Zoellick brings the strong leadership and moral principles needed to help the Bank reestablish itself.”

May 30, 2007

“The Supreme Court’s decision yesterday in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. flies in the face of the long-standing policy of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and years of legal precedent and will drastically restrict the ability of workers to redress wage discrimination.  As Justice Ginsberg argued strenuously in her dissent, the court’s decision overlooks the common characteristics of wage discrimination and will place unfairly high hurdles in the way of thousands of Americans facing systematic discrimination.  This egregious decision will hinder the ability of American workers to receive equal pay for equal work.”

May 28, 2007

 

"Today we honor the thousands and thousands of men and women whose sacrifice has paid for our freedom and safety. Every day America thrives is a silent tribute to them; but today above all, we pause our lives, bow our heads, and remember that all we hold dear is founded on their blood.