Topic: Introduction by Senator Leahy
Senator: Leahy
Date: SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
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SPECTER: And now before beginning the opening statements, let me yield to my distinguished ranking member, Senator Leahy.
LEAHY: Well, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for all the consultations. I think we have had each other's home phones on speed dial, we've talked to each other so often. And I have every confidence our chairman will conduct a fair and thorough hearing. You know, less than a quarter of those of us currently serving in the Senate have exercised the Senate's advice-and-consent responsibility in connection with a nomination to be chief justice of the United States. I think only 23 senators have actually been involved in that.
We're fortunate a veteran of these proceedings is chairing this.
LEAHY: We're at a time of great stress in our nation because of what has happened in New Orleans, throughout much of the Gulf Coast regions. I think the hearts and prayers of certainly my state of Vermont, but all Americans, are for those people. And I would hope that they understand while we're having these hearings, they're first and foremost in our thoughts and prayers.
And I'm sure they are with you, Judge.
This is the only time we're going to find out what he is, and so all the more important that we have a good hearing.
Again, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate our meetings on this. Appreciate the meeting earlier this morning with you and Judge Roberts. I think that you have set exactly the perfect tone for a hearing of this nature.
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