“You have experienced glory and tragedy, and you have remained yourself throughout it.”

Watch Senator Patrick Leahy's Senate Floor Speech
Explaining His Opposition To A New 'Deal' On GMO Labeling

WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, April 28, 2016) – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), a former prosecutor, in a bipartisan news conference Thursday in the U.S. Capitol called on Senate Republican leaders to bring to the floor the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, a bill to reduce some mandatory minimum sentences and apply those changes retroactively to inmates currently serving unfair sentences.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, April 19, 2016) – Tuesday, April 19, marked the 21st anniversary of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing that took the lives of 168 people, including 19 children.  In the immediate aftermath of that tragedy, Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland (then, a prosecutor) supervised the team investigating and prosecuting the Oklahoma City bombing and drew praise from all sides for his work.

Noting the significant anniversary and Garland’s crucial work on the ground in Oklahoma City, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) called on the Senate to come together and give Garland a hearing and a vote.

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, April 12, 2016) – Hardworking women in Vermont and across the country face persistent gender discrimination with every paycheck, a glaring problem that Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said everyone from business leaders to Congress must address in order to ensure equal opportunity for all workers

WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, March 17, 2016) – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) THURSDAY met with Chief Judge Merrick Garland, President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States.  The meeting in Leahy’s Capitol Hill office was the first official meeting that Judge Garland held with any member of the Senate as the President’s nominee.  Leahy is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, March 01, 2016) -- Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Tuesday opposed legislation introduced by Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) that would block Vermont and other states from requiring labels on foods containing genetically engineered (GE) ingredients or seeds that are genetically engineered.  Leahy is a leader and former chairman of the Agriculture Committee and is considered the “father” of the national organic standards and labeling program, which also advances consumers’ right to know.

WASHINGTON (MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016) – The Senate is poised this week to consider the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), a bipartisan bill to promote a community-based response to addiction to heroin and other opioids.  Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), a leading supporter of the bill who has long championed efforts to treat addiction, said the Senate must embrace an approach that includes more resources and a greater focus on preventive methods.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, February 23, 2016) – The Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty this year to fill a Supreme Court vacancy so that the court can fully function and serve as the final arbiter of law, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016) – Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) Thursday introduced legislation to combat the practice of straw purchasing and illegal trafficking in firearms. It is a problem that has spilled over into the heroin and opioid addiction crisis that has gripped Vermont and other states.

The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2016 responds to calls from law enforcement officials for more effective tools to investigate and deter straw purchasers and gun traffickers. 

Currently, there is no law that explicitly makes straw purchasing a crime, and it is only unlawful to traffic a firearm if the transferor had actual knowledge that the firearm would be used in connection with a crime.  The recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California highlighted this gap; the rifles in that shooting were allegedly acquired through a straw purchaser.  Firearms trafficking is also an increasingly significant problem in New England, where the surge in opioid abuse has exposed a “guns for drugs” trade.

The bipartisan bill introduced by Leahy and Collins today would make clear that the straw purchasing and trafficking of firearms are federal crimes.  

WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016) – Legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday to respond to the nation’s opioid crisis now contains important provisions to support rural communities, which Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) successfully fought to include.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) provides for a community-based response to heroin and opioid addiction; an approach that Vermont has employed and that Leahy highlighted at a field hearing in Rutland in 2014. As amended in committee, the bill includes authorization for some important programs that Leahy helped to create, including a grant program to expand access to Medication Assisted Treatment programs, which are plagued by massive waiting lists—and Federal funding to expand state-led anti-heroin task forces. And importantly for Vermont, and at Leahy’s urging, the bill includes specific language to help rural communities obtain the overdose-reversing drug Naloxone. The bill, of which Leahy is a cosponsor, was originally authored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016) – The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday advanced bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to double funding for the federal Farm To School grant program as part of a larger package reauthorizing child nutrition programs through 2020. 

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Tuesday joined Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and interfaith leaders from across the country in the U.S. Capitol to call for an end to the caustic rhetoric directed toward refugees and to offer help, including to those fleeing annihilation by ISIS in Syria.

Leahy has long advocated for a stronger U.S. role in helping to address the Syrian refugee crisis, introducing an emergency bipartisan funding bill with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in October that would provide an additional $1 billion in emergency funding to respond to the crisis.

The coalition of national faith leaders included Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Rev. Gradye Parsons, Bishop Sally Dyck, Rev. Richard Graham, Rabbi Jack Moline, Imam Talib Shareef and Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 8, 2015) – During a hearing Tuesday of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights to consider the proposed merger of beer companies AB-InBev and SAB Miller, Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) emphasized the importance of a level playing field so that craft brewers can compete.
Noting concern that the large brewing companies can use their power over distributors to squeeze out smaller craft brewers, Leahy called on the companies participating in the merger to commit that they would not increase their ownership of distributors or adopt further exclusionary practices at the expense of craft breweries.

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, Dec. 01, 2015)  -- With one month to go until seniors and veterans face a rare zero Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and other senators Tuesday urged action on the Senate Floor to pass the SAVE Benefits Act.

Cosponsored by Leahy, the bill would boost Social Security and veterans benefits by ending tax subsidies for multi-million dollar corporate bonuses.  If Congress does not act, seniors and veterans will face a zero COLA on January 1st.

The Seniors and Veterans Emergency Benefits Act (SAVE Benefits Act) would provide about 70 million seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and others an emergency supplemental payment of about $581. This payment is equal to 3.9 percent of the average annual Social Security benefit -- the same percentage raise that CEOs at the top 350 firms received last year.  The cost of the bill would be covered by closing a tax loophole allowing corporations to write off executive bonuses as a business expense for "performance pay."

On the Senate Floor Thursday, Senator Leahy objected to Senator Cruz’s motion to force an immediate vote on his anti-refugee bill.

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015) – Christine Hutchins and her family from Cambridge, Vt., Wednesday came to the Senate Judiciary Committee to share their story of adopting their son James from Sierra Leone. Hutchins was invited to testify by the committee Ranking Member Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) at the hearing, just days before National Adoption Day.

Leahy said: “The Hutchins’ journey to parenthood is one of courage and perseverance. They represent many other Vermont families who have similarly opened their hearts to a child in need through international adoption. I have been inspired by each Vermont family my office has helped through the adoption process.”

Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) calling on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to eliminate gender discrimination between male and female athletes.
Leahy first introduced the resolution in July, after the United States women’s soccer team was awarded just $2 million after beating Japan in the Women’s World Cup championship.  By comparison, the 2014 Men’s World Cup winner, Germany, was awarded $35 million for its win over Argentina.  Leahy’s resolution calls for FIFA to end its discriminatory prize structure and provide equal awards for male and female athletes.  
The Republicans’ move to block passage of the resolution came just days after the U.S. women’s soccer team was recognized at the White House for their World Cup victory.

As the dean of the Senate (its most senior member) Vermont’s U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D) Tuesday morning passed a U.S. Senate milestone when he cast his 15,000th vote. On Wednesday, he spoke at length on his reflections on reaching this milestone, his career in the Senate and his determination to continue working for Vermonters.

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, Oct. 27, 2015) --  As the dean of the Senate (its most senior member) Vermont’s U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D) Tuesday morning passed a U.S. Senate milestone when he cast his 15,000th vote.  Only five senators in history have cast more votes.  The vote occurred during a series of votes late this morning during Senate debate on the cybersecurity bill.  According to the nonpartisan website GovTrack, Leahy has sponsored more bipartisan bills than any other current member of this Senate:  Sixty-one percent of his bills have had both Democratic and Republican cosponsors, reflecting his longtime MO of building coalitions and getting things done, helping to make him one of the Senate’s most effective legislators.  In the previous Congress he was one of the youngest senators in recent times to rise to the level of President Pro Tem.

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), a former prosecutor, on Thursday joined in introducing the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 to reduce some mandatory sentences and apply those changes retroactively to inmates currently serving unfair sentences.

Leahy, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the last Congress, led hearings on the nation’s exploding prison population and advocated for comprehensive criminal justice reform.  The bill introduced builds on those bipartisan efforts.  Leahy was joined in unveiling the package on Oct. 1 by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

WASHINGTON (Monday, July 13, 2015) – The 2015 Women’s World Cup drew international attention and record-breaking audiences, yet the female athletes who competed this year were compensated far less than their male counterparts.  Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke out against this pay inequity Monday, and unveiled a resolution calling on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to immediately eliminate gender discrimination between male and female athletes.

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, June 24, 2015) – Two years since the Supreme Court gutted core protections in the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder, states and localities throughout the country have passed sweeping laws that disproportionately suppress the voting rights of minorities. These laws have left voters without the protections they need to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

To restore and advance the voting protections for all Americans, a group of Senate and House Democratic lawmakers joined together Wednesday to introduce the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) of 2015.

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the measure in the Senate. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced an identical measure in the House.

The Senate on Tuesday passed the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2015, an historic bill coauthored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) to rein in surveillance authorities for the first time since passage of the USA PATRIOT Act.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, June 2, 2015) – As the Senate continued consideration of the historic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 to end the NSA’s bulk collection program, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) urged senators Tuesday not to weigh the legislation down with weakening and unnecessary changes that would ensure continued expiration of key surveillance authorities without any reform.
VIDEO and AUDIO includes the complete floor statements of Leahy and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) urging their colleagues to not delay or weaken the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act.
The USA FREEDOM Act, coauthored by Leahy and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), brings needed reform to three expiring sections of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and ends the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of Americans’ phone records. A three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously found this program was unlawful, and goes beyond what is authorized under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act.
The USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 passed the House last month on a bipartisan vote of 338-88. The bill also has the support of the administration, intelligence leaders, the technology industry, and privacy advocates.

WASHINGTON (Monday, February 9, 2015) – Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Monday called for the confirmation of Michael Botticelli to serve as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Botticelli has served as the Acting Director of ONDCP since March 2014, and he was previously the Deputy Director of this office.  Botticelli was first nominated to lead ONDCP in September of last year, and the Judiciary Committee unanimously reported his nomination to the Senate last December. The Committee again unanimously approved his nomination last week.

WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014) - Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was joined by Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Representative Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross and others for an early morning trip to Havana, Cuba to bring Alan Gross home.    
Leahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years.  Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 9, 2014) – The summary of a thoroughly researched Congressional report on the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) use of torture during the Bush administration finally makes details of the program public to policymakers and all Americans who had previously been misled, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a lengthy floor speech on Tuesday.

Leahy, who as chairman of the Judiciary Committee presided over several of the many hearings that collected dozens of hours of testimony on the legality and use of harsh interrogation techniques under the Bush administration, said the release of the executive summary of the Senate Intelligence Committee Study of the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program “disproves CIA claims that the torture program was necessary to protect our nation and that it thwarted attacks.”

(WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2014) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) TODAY urged the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, to renew the Agency's commitment to the cleanup and preservation of Lake Champlain. Faced with new water quality regulations imposed by the EPA for Lake Champlain, Vermont will face new challenges, as the President's budget request cuts funding for critical federal programs to help states address water quality projects. Leahy is the most senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and has long made the protection of Lake Champlain a priority in Congress.

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, April 08, 2014) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Tuesday questioned U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Rajiv Shah about the recent revelation that the USAID ran and funded "ZunZuneo," the so-called "Cuban Twitter" program, during a scheduled hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2015 budget request for USAID. Leahy has long been an advocate of restoring relations with Cuba. VIDEO and AUDIO includes excerpts of the exchange between Leahy and Shah. Leahy chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, which has oversight of the USAID. Shah testified to answer questions on a wide range of USAID programs around the world.

Senator Patrick Leahy, who for two decades has been the leading U.S. official in the crusade to rid the world of anti-personnel landmines, launched what he is announcing will be a series of periodic speeches on the topic. On Wednesday, April 02, he spoke before a group gathered for MAG's 25th Anniversary. A photography exhibit titled "Surviving The Peace: Landmines, Mortars, and Munitions" was on display. Both publicly and privately, in scores of private meetings and public appeals, Leahy has unceasingly pressed every president since Bill Clinton to allow the United States to join the international treaty banning landmines. He now continues those appeals, directed to President Obama. Leahy is President Pro Tempore of the Senate and chairs the State Department's budget panel, the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, March 6, 2014) -- Senator Patrick Leahy, the Senate's President Pro Tempore, TODAY introduced the Dalai Lama on the Floor of the United States Senate as today's Guest Chaplain, before he offered today's Senate invocation.  Leahy, long a champion of the Tibetan people, has visited often with the Dalai Lama and also introduced him during his address at Middlebury College on Oct. 12, 2012.

On Monday, Feb. 3, Sen. Patrick Leahy took to the Senate Floor to discuss the 2014 Farm Bill agreement.

On Monday, Feb. 3, Sen. Patrick Leahy took to the Senate Floor to discuss the 2014 Farm Bill agreement.

WASHINGTON (Thursday, January 16, 2014) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.), Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) held a press conference to discuss their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of legislation to uphold the Voting Rights Act.

On Tuesday, January 14, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke on the Senate Floor on The Fiscal Year 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, January 8, 2014) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Wednesday reintroduced sweeping legislation to protect Americans' personal information and ensure their privacy. Leahy also announced the issue of data privacy would be the subject of a committee hearing early in the new Senate session.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, January 7, 2013) – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Tuesday afternoon spoke on the Senate Floor to report on progress by House and Senate conferees on the Farm Bill, generating new hope that a bipartisan agreement is near.  

Leahy, the most senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is a Senate conferee on the bill.  A final agreement by the negotiators is expected soon – as early as the end of this week.

On Tuesday, October 15, Sen. Leahy spoke on the Senate Floor about how the made-in-Washington shutdown is impacting local economies and natural resources.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, September 10, 2013) --The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled "Conflicts Between State and Federal Marijuana Laws."  Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who has pressed the administration on the issue since last year, recently welcomed the Justice Department's release of guidelines for enforcement of federal marijuana laws in light of action at the state level.

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, July 31, 2013) --The Senate Judiciary Committee today held a hearing titled "Strengthening Privacy Rights and National Security: Oversight of FISA Surveillance Programs."  Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has long called for strong oversight of government surveillance programs, and he recently introduced the bipartisan FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013, which would add important reforms and improve certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and FISA Amendments Act.  

VIDEO includes excerpts of Sen. Leahy's sharp questioning of Deputy Director of the National Security Agency John C. Inglis on accountability and responsibility for recent security lapses.
Member statements and witness testimony are available online.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled "From Selma to Shelby County: Working Together to Restore the Protections of the Voting Rights Act." It is the Committee's first hearing following the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder, in which the Court narrowly struck down the coverage formula of the Voting Rights Act. Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) had a lead role in reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act in 2006 and has long championed voting rights and voting access for all citizens.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who was managing debate of the bipartisan immigration reform bill that passed the senate by a vote of 68 to 32, made the following floor statement -- his closing remarks in the debate -- moments before the bill's final passage in the Senate. The measure was also the subject of extensive consideration in the Judiciary Committee under Leahy's leadership. "The world has never before seen such a vibrant, cohesive, economically exuberant and democratically successful experiment as ours. A key ingredient of our successful formula has been, and will continue to be, immigrants anxious to become part of the American experience. They have helped us to be a Nation in constant renewal, welcoming and using this constant influx of fresh talent and energy. And so today is another historic day in the Senate."

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, June 26, 2012) --Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed the Supreme Court's decision Wednesday to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, and he vowed to continue working to ensure the nation's laws provide equal protection for all citizens.

WASHINGTON (TUESDAY, June 25, 2013) --Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is managing consideration of the comprehensive immigration reform bill before the Senate, delivered the following statement Tuesday about his family's immigration experience. "Nearly every American family has a story like mine and Marcelle's. We are more alike than we are different from today's immigrants and first-generation Americans. The majority of new immigrants will continue this proud tradition of hard work, the drive toward prosperity, and embracing the values that make America great. They will someday tell their children and grandchildren of their own immigrant histories. The bill we consider will continue this cycle of growth and renewal and will improve on many aspects of our immigration system."

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is managing consideration of the comprehensive immigration reform bill before the Senate, delivered a statement on the Senate Floor Tuesday about his family's immigration experience.

"Nearly every American family has a story like mine and Marcelle's.  We are more alike than we are different from today's immigrants and first-generation Americans.  The majority of new immigrants will continue this proud tradition of hard work, the drive toward prosperity, and embracing the values that make America great.  They will someday tell their children and grandchildren of their own immigrant histories.  The bill we consider will continue this cycle of growth and renewal and will improve on many aspects of our immigration system."

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Monday introduced legislation that would add important reforms and improve certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and FISA Amendments Act. The FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013 will bolster existing privacy safeguards and require greater oversight, transparency, and accountability in connection with the government's expansive domestic surveillance powers.

On Wednesday, June 12, Senator Patrick Leahy questioned NSA Director Keith Alexander on cyber security and NSA programs.

The Senate moved Tuesday to begin consideration of the bipartisan the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the comprehensive immigration reform bill. Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is managing the bill on the Senate floor, called on lawmakers to pass the measure and send it to the House for consideration.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who led the Judiciary Committee in hours of markups to consider the bipartisan immigration reform bill now poised for debate in the full Senate, called on lawmakers to allow for the same open and transparent process on the Senate floor.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke during the committee markup Tuesday about his amendments to the comprehensive immigration bill to provide equality in immigration law by allowing American citizens who are in long term committed relationships to sponsor their foreign partners or spouses for green cards. Leahy has championed the issue for the last decade through his push to enact the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), which he reintroduced in February with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).

On Tuesday, March 19, Senator Leahy made a statement on the Senate Floor on the impact of sequestrationin Vermont.

On Tuesday, February 12, Senator Leahy held a press conference to address the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in the United States Senate.

On Thursday, February 7, Senator Leahy opened the floor debate on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act on the Senate Floor.

On Monday, February 5, Senator Patrick Leahy called for the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act on the Senate Floor before the vote on the motion to proceed to the bill.

On January 30, 2013, Senator Leahy chaired the first congressional hearing on gun violence held since the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT. At the hearing, Leahy questioned witnesses about the role of background checks in preventing gun violence.

On January 30, 2013, Senator Leahy chaired the first congressional hearing on gun violence since the horrific shooting in Newtown, CT. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from Captain Mark Kelly, husband of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who also gave brief remarks at the outset of the hearing. Also testifying was Wayne LaPierre, head of the National Rifle Association.

On Tuesday, January 16, Senator Leahy spoke on issues of gun violence at Georgetown University.

On December 18, Senator Leahy spoke briefly on the Senate floor paying tribute to his longtime colleague and dear friend, Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii who passed away on December 17.

Senator Leahy took to the Senate floor on December 11 to defend the inclusion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the 2012 Farm Bill. The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill that renews the charter for basic agriculture, nutrition and conservation programs, while saving taxpayers $23 billion dollars.

Senator Leahy once again appealed to his colleagues in both the House and the Senate to push for final passage of the Violence Against Women Act before the 112th Congress adjourns for good. This floor speech from December 6 specifically addresses a new proposal on issues of tribal violence.

Senator Leahy, on November 28, 2012, won Senate approval to add to the pending defense authorization bill his "Dale Long Act," which will strengthen and improve a federal program that provides a crucial safety net for the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Here he speaks to the merits of the legislation.

Senator Leahy spoke at a press conference on November 27, 2012 marking the issuance of the millionth bulletproof vest through his Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. Cities and rural communities alike have benefitted from the program since it was first enacted in 1999. In Vermont nearly $840,000 in grant money has helped to supply 3,930 vests. According to the Government Accountability Office, $247 million has provided in reimbursement funding nationwide for the purchase of more than one million vests from 1999 through 2011. Approximately 3,000 law enforcement officers' lives have been saved by protective body armor since 1987, according to the GAO.

Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor on November 14 about the impasse facing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) in Congress. The Senate voted nearly six months ago in favor of VAWA, a bill that has broad support and provides meaningful resources for thousands of domestic and sexual violence victims across the country.

Senator Leahy spoke from the Senate floor on November 13, 2012, urging his counterparts in the House of Representatives to pass the pending 2012 Farm Bill. The Senate passed a bipartisan Farm Bill earlier this year but House leaders so far have refused to bring a Farm Bill to the House Floor for debate and votes.

As lead sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor on the 18th anniversary of the law's original enactment, September 13, about the importance of renewing the program's charter. While the legislation won strong bipartisan support in the Senate, House Republicans have failed to act on this consensus bill. Senator Leahy was joined by several Democratic Senators in calling for swift action to renew VAWA.

Senator Leahy, on September 12, chaired a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Supreme Court and the importance of the Voting Rights Act that ensure equal access to vote for all Americans.

Senator Leahy spoke on August 1 on the Senate floor, once again highlighting the crucial importance of passing a Violence Against Women Reauthorization to protect all victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Senator Patrick Leahy chaired a hearing on July 25 featuring retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who testified on the importance of judicial independence. Supreme Court Justices rarely testify before the Senate following their confirmation, but Leahy has made these discussions a priority under his chairmanship.

Senator Leahy participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee hearing on the Citizens United decision and proposed constitutional amendments to address its effects on July 24, 2012. At the hearing, Senator Leahy defended the voices of individual American voters and expressed his deep concern that large corporate contributions will overshadow voters in future elections.

On July 17, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about the DISCLOSE Act, a bill to reinstate many of the measures gutted by the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizens United case.

Senator Leahy spoke briefly on the Senate floor on July 11, 2012 about the Vermont National Guard, recognizing their achievements and continued service to the people of Vermont and the nation.

On July 11, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act to Vermont's small business owners, employees, and economy as a whole.

On June 28, shortly following the announcement of the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act, Senator Leahy spoke briefly about the decision of the court to uphold the law.

Following Senate passage of the 2012 farm bill on June 21, Senator Leahy made remarks about the impact of the bill and the Senate's bipartisan approach to developing and approving the legislation.

On June 20, in the midst of the ongoing debate and votes on amendments to the 2012 farm bill, Senator Leahy rose to speak on the Senate floor in defense of the landmark Forest Legacy Program -- an initiative he pioneered in the 2008 farm bill that came under attack by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The Senate defeated Lee's amendment and the Forest Legacy Program was preserved.

On June 13, 2012, Senator Leahy participated in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the fiscal year 2013 budget request for the Department of Defense. Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Martin Dempsey, were the witnesses at the hearing.

As Senate debate of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization heated up on Wednesday, April 25, Senator Leahy spoke about the lifesaving power of the law and reminded his colleagues that a victim, is a victim, is a victim. All victims deserve protection and support under VAWA.

Senator Leahy appeared on Vermont Public Television's Report From Washington on April 19, 2012. During the broadcast, Senator Leahy answered a question posed by the host, Mark Johnson, about the U.S. presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Credit: Vermont Public Television.

The day before the Kony 2012 movement's global day of action, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released a new video on the Senate's efforts to support the removal of Joseph Kony and his top lieutenants in the Lord's Resistance Army from the battlefield in central Africa. Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), is also featured in the video, which is aimed at the millions of young Americans who have become part of the Kony 2012 movement in the last month. The seven-and-a-half-minute video, titled "Pursuing Joseph Kony: A Message from the United States Senate" went live on YouTube Thursday and will be pushed out through senators' digital channels, including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, email, and their websites.

As the Senate prepared for a vote on the so called 'Buffett Rule' or the Paying A Fair Share Act on April 16, 2012, Senator Leahy took to the Senate floor to call for equality in the American tax system.

Senator Patrick Leahy spoke on March 29 at a Senate hearing in Washington about his concerns about the impact of the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United. Last week, Leahy joined as an original cosponsor of new legislation designed to address the effects of the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United. The DISCLOSE Act of 2012 will help put an end to secretive campaign spending by strengthening disclosure laws. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is the lead sponsor of the bill.

Senator Patrick Leahy attended the oral arguments at the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act on Tuesday, March 27. He made these comments at a press conference following the Court's session. Senator Leahy was joined by Senator Schumer, Senator Reed, and Senator Harkin.

On March 14, Senator Leahy chaired a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations to examine the fiscal year 2013 budget request of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).The USAID Administrator, Dr. Raj Shah, was the chief witness at the hearing.

Senator Leahy questioned Administrator Shah at length about the priorities of the Agency for the coming year and the ongoing work of the USAID to effect change the world over. Leahy's questions touched upon issues such as Afghanistan, the violence in central Africa and recent widespread attention that has been paid to the Lord's Resistance Army and Joseph Kony, and administration initiatives such as Feed the Future.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy chaired a hearing on March 13, 2012, on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nation's premier open government law. The nation is celebrating Sunshine Week, an observance of the importance of an open and transparent government. At the hearing, Leahy committed to working to ensure that the public's interest in accessing essential health and safety information is protected when Congress considers legislative exemptions to FOIA.

Senator Leahy is the Democratic co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, a bipartisan group of Senators committed to supporting the men and women who serve in the National Guard. On February 29, the Senator spoke briefly at the Senate National Guard Caucus breakfast, an event attended by Guard leadership from around the country and the Pentagon.

Senator Patrick Leahy chaired a hearing on February 28 about the fiscal year 2013 budget request for the Department of State and Foreign Operations. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the chief witness and testified about the priorities of the Department of State for the coming year and about the outlook for the continually evolving situation in the Middle East and North Africa. Leahy, who is the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, returned on Monday from an official trip to Haiti, Cuba and Colombia to evaluate the continued need for and the use of United States foreign aid dollars.

Senator Patrick Leahy chaired a hearing in Washington, D.C. on February 15 about the importance of the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal grant program to assist state and local law enforcement authored by Leahy. Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling testified before the Senate panel.

Senator Leahy attended a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) on Tuesday, January 31. At the hearing, he made remarks on the legislation. Leahy was the lead author of the VPPA, which is considered one of the nation's model privacy laws.

Senator Leahy took to the Senate floor on Monday, January 24, as the Senate reconvened for the second session of the 112th Congress. The Senator spoke about the PROTECT IP Act and the need to address the sale of counterfeit goods online for the safety of consumers and the good of the economy.

Senator Leahy chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on December 8, 2011 on the EB-5 Regional Center Program. This key foreign investor program has successfully drawn millions of dollars in economic investment to Vermont's economy. The hearing featured a Vermont witness, Mr. Bill Stenger, President and co-owner of Jay Peak Resort. Among other important Vermont businesses, both Jay Peak and Sugarbush, two of Vermont's destination ski resorts, have successfully raised capital through the Regional Center program, and have been engaged in ambitious development projects.

On November 28, 2011, Senator Leahy took to the Senate floor in support of his National Guard Empowerment Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Senator Leahy made comments on Thursday, November 17, 2011 about the Transportation Appropriations bill which was passed by the House by a vote of 298-121 and was expected to be voted on by the Senate that evening.

On November 10, 2011 the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a critical step forward in restoring the rights of all lawfully married couples. The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal DOMA, which was enacted in 1996. Under the current law, legally married, same-sex couples cannot take advantage of federal protections available to every other married couple.

On Tuesday, November 1, the Senate voted to pass the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill. Following the vote, Senator Leahy made brief remarks on the floor of the Senate about the critical funding included in the bill for Vermont.

Senator Leahy attended a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on October 12, 2011 and questioned a representative of the Small Business Administration on the application review rate for disaster loan assistance following Hurricane Irene.

Senator Leahy chaired a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 5, 2011, on the role of judges under the American constitution. Testifying at the hearing were Associate Supreme Court Jusitces Stephen Breyer and Antonin Scalia.

Senator Leahy gave remarks on the floor of the Senate on Monday, October 3, highlighting the continued impact of Hurricane Irene on Vermont's homes and families. Winter is fast-approaching and Senator Leahy remains committed to doing everything in his power to assist Vermonters in need.

On September 20, Senator Leahy took to the Senate floor and spoke about the indomitable Vermont spirit and the many cases of Vermonters helping Vermonters over the past month as the state has worked to recover from Hurricane Irene.

Senator Leahy spoke on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, September 22 and addressed the role of the National Guard in responding to the devastation left by Hurricane Irene in Vermont.

Senator Leahy gives brief casual remarks on the necessity of legislation regulating truck weights on Vermont's secondary roads.

At a news conference on Capitol Hill Senator Leahy joined several of his colleagues to call for immediate action on legislation to provide additional disaster assistance funding to the many Americans working to recover from the recent series of storms. Leahy, surrounded by Senators from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Louisiana, made it clear that Vermonters cannot wait for Washington to sort out their differences and concerns over offsets and that this is a time for action.

Senator Leahy gave an impassioned speech on the floor of the United States Senate on Tuesday calling on his colleagues to come together in support of Americans in need. Citing examples of bridges, roadways, homes and schools washed away in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, Leahy highlighted the challenges Vermonters are working to overcome and called the objections of some of his Senate counterparts to legislation providing additional disaster aid funding unconscionable.

Senator Leahy has been a fierce advocate for the people of Vermont as they work to recover and rebuild after Tropical Storm Irene. In this video, excerpts from the Senator's remarks on the Senate floor on September 6 and September 8 are featured.

As debate continued on the debt crisis, Senator Leahy gave an impassioned speech on the Floor of the United States Senate on Saturday, July 30.

Senator Leahy speaks in support of the deal reached by Congressional leadership and the White House in the face of the looming debt crisis.

Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor on Tuesday, July 26 with regard to the looming debt crisis and the proposed solution put forward by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He called for statesmanship in this time of uncertainty.

Senator Leahy spoke on the floor of the Senate on July 22 in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment related to the federal budget. In the midst of the heated debate over the debt ceiling and fiscal policy, Senator Leahy stood his ground and defended the fundamental charter of the United States.

Senator Leahy chaired the first-ever congressional hearing on proposals to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Testimony at the hearing focused on the damaging affect of DOMA on the lives of American families. Vermont witness Susan Murray testifed about how DOMA has caused significant economic harm to families.

On July 13, Senator Leahy was joined by Senator Portman and representatives of Departments of Corrections from around the country at a news conference about the Second Chance Act. In this video, Senator Leahy speaks about the bill, followed by Andy Pallito, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections.

Senator Leahy questioned Defense Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, on June 15, 2011 at a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. He pushed for a faster timeline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

On May 19, Senator Leahy joined Senator Graham to announce new National Guard Empowerment legislation. Leahy and Graham are the co-chairs of the bipartisan National Guard caucus and work to draw attention to issues impacting the National Guard across the country.

At an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Homeland Security, Senator Leahy questioned the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Craig Fugate, about Vermont's pending application for disaster relief in the wake of the extreme flooding that has plagued the state in recent weeks.

Following the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden by the administration on May 1, 2011, Senator Leahy made a statement on the floor of the Senate. In his May 2 floor speech, the Senator paid tribute to the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and called for unity in the face of hatred and violence.

Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor on April 14, 2011 just prior to the vote on the 2011 budget bill.

In a speech delivered on April 7, 2011 on the floor of the Senate, Senator Leahy challenges Congress to do the right thing by our troops and their families. Now, in the midst of two wars and other overseas action, is not the time to withhold their paychecks.

On April 6, 2011, Senator Leahy took part in a Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Defense Health Programs. Senator Leahy challenged Pentagon officials to do more for Guard and Reserve personnel and to incorporate medical information technology to improve standard medical processes and health outcomes for service members.

On April 4, 2011, Senator joined several of his colleagues from the House of Representatives as well as representatives of labor and American businesses to discuss the importance of addressing issues related to online infringement.

The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, Human Rights, and the Law, held a hearing on March 29 to examine issues related to protecting the civil rights of American Muslims. Prior to hearing witness testimony, Senator Leahy delivered this opening statement.

From March 21 -23, 2011, Senator Leahy led a Congressional Delegation on a fact-finding trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In the Dominican Republic, the delegation commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. In Haiti, they visited camps for internally displaced persons and spoke with relief workers assisting the Haitian people as they rebuild following the earthquake of 2010.

This composite slide show features photos taken by both Senator Leahy and his staff. Audio excerpts from interviews he gave to Vermont press accompany the photos.

On March 16, 2011, the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FY 2012 budget proposal for the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson was the chief witness. Senator Leahy delivered brief opening remarks about the role of the EPA in protecting Vermont's Lake Champlain.

On March 15, 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the Freedom of Information Act. Senator Leahy delivered opening remarks prior to asking questions of the witnesses. The hearing took place during the sixth annual Sunshine Week, a national movement to promote open government and transparency.

On March 9, 2011, Senator Leahy chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Leahy delivered opening remarks and questioned Secretary Napolitano about TSA security procedures and the implementation of the Real ID Act.

On March 2, 2011, Senator Patrick Leahy chaired a Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the proposed budget for the State Department in FY 2012. The chief witness was Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Prior to hearing her testimony, the Senator delivered these opening remarks.

On March 3, 2011, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke on the floor of the Senate about the relationship between Vermont and the America Invents Act. Senator Leahy is the author of this bill to overhaul America's patent system and takes great pride in the innovative spirit that characterizes his home state.

Excerpts from Senator Leahy's opening statement at a hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is the Chair, on the constitutional issues involved in the Affordable Care Act. The hearing was held on February 2, 2011.

On January 11, 2011, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke at the Newseum in downtown Washington, DC about his priorities for the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 112th Congress. Here, Senator Leahy answers a question about security for public officials in the wake of the attack in Tucson and in relation to his own experience as a target of the anthrax attacks in 2001.

On January 11, 2011, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke at the Newseum in downtown Washington, DC about his priorities for the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 112th Congress. Prior to detailing the work he would like to see accomplished in the coming years, Senator Leahy paused to address the tragic attack in Tucson, Arizona.

Senator Patrick Leahy gives remarks on the floor of the United States Senate on Saturday, December 18, 2010 regarding the the repeal of the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

On December 15, 2010, Senator Patrick Leahy paid tribute to his dear friend Ambassador Richard Holbrooke on the floor of the Senate with this statement.

On September 15, 2010, Senator Leahy chaired an Agriculture Committee Hearing on the National Organic Law at 20. The law, which was authored by Leahy in 1990, established standards for organic agriculture nationwide.

On July 19, General Colin Powell sent a message to Vermonters in military service as part of the ongoing "Postcards From Home" YouTube video project launched in April by Senator Leahy.  Leahy had invited General Powell to record a message directed to Vermonters serving overseas and the General visited Leahy's Washington office to do so.

On Wednesday, July 7, Senator Leahy joined Jay Peak President Bill Stenger and others for a groundbreaking ceremony for the 275,000 Hotel Jay that will feature 170 suites and the largest water park in the Northeast. Senator Leahy helped obtain federal funding to expand the Jay water system, and has supported the EB-5 investor program that has provided critical funding to the expansion.

June 30 marks the third day of nomination hearings for Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next Associated Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. After two and a half days of answering questions from Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Elena Kagan is finished with her testimony. The hearing will continue tomorrow with testimony from witnesses about her record and service.

On June 28, Senator Leahy made a statement on the Senate Floor about the passing of his dear friend and colleague, Senator Byrd from West Virginia. Senator Byrd was 92 and a longtime defender of the Constitution.

On June 28, 2010, Senator Leahy (D-Vt.) opened the hearings for Elena Kagan to be the next Associated Justice on the Supreme Court of the U.S. Elena Kagan is currently Solicitor General for the U.S. and would be the fourth woman nominated the nation's highest court. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Leahy will lead her nomination through the Committee this week.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) joined leading members of the Senate Judiciary Committee at a press conference today to discuss the Supreme Court and the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of Supreme Court of the United States. The Judiciary Committee will begin the confirmation hearing on the nomination on June 28.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Thursday joined colleagues on the Senate floor for a debate on the resolution by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that would prevent the EPA from regulating reductions in greenhouse gases. During his statement, Leahy announced he will oppose this resolution because it will overturn strong scientific evidence with a political veto. By supporting this resolution, Leahy says, we will "undermine America's ability to clean our air and our waters."

Senator Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) held a press conference with family members of victims who died in the April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico to press for accountability from the oil and drilling companies responsible for the tragedy in the Gulf.

The widows of the 11 men killed on the oil rig met with President Obama Thursday afternoon. They are urging action on bills introduced by Leahy, Schumer and Whitehouse to ensure that the oil and drilling companies responsible for the tragic explosion on April 20, and the continuing environmental disaster in the Gulf, are held fully accountable.

On Thursday, June 10, Senator Patrick Leahy joined the 42 other members of the House and Senate conference committee tasked with finalizing the financial reform package. During this meeting, Senator Leahy stressed the importance of keeping strong rules on the trading of derivatives in the final package. Video courtesy of C-SPAN 3

On June 7, 2010, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate Floor, regarding the nomination of Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In his brief statement, he urged his colleagues across the aisle to reject an ideological litmus test when it comes to judging Kagan's ability to serve as a fair and independent Justice.

At a unique Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on May 20, 2010, Senator Leahy questioned Veterans Administration Secretary General Eric Shinseki and Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan about improving housing for homeless veterans in Vermont.

At a hearing on May 19, 2010, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that proceedings to consider the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court will begin on June 28. You can read more about Elena Kagan's nomination to be an Assosicate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court here.

On May 18, 2010, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about his most recent efforts to put the United States on the path to joining the international treaty banning landmines. Although the U.S. has not signed the treaty, 158 other nations have over the last ten years. In a letter to President Obama today, Senator Leahy and 67 other Senators signaled the Senate's willingness to work with the Administration to move the U.S. toward signing the treaty.

On May 12, Senator Leahy met with President Obama's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Solicitor General Elena Kagan, in his Washington, D.C. office. After a private meeting, Senator Leahy held a press conference to talk about her nomination. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy will lead the nomination through the Senate.

On May 10, 2010, President Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next Associate Justice to the Supreme Court. Kagan is nominated to replace Justice John Paul Stevens, who announced he was retiring on April 9. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy will lead Kagan's confirmation hearings. Senator Leahy held a press conference this morning to talk about the nomination of Kagan to the nation's highest court.

On April 27, Senator Leahy chaired an oversight hearing on the Department of Homeland Security, at which DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano testified. In an exchange with Secretary Napolitano over the controversy surrounding the proposed replacement of a border crossing facility at Morses Line, Leahy secured a pledge for a public meeting to be held near the crossing point in Vermont.

On April 21, Senator Leahy discussed his meeting with President Obama about the upcoming Supreme Court vacancy. He also commented on The Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act, which was passed by the Agriculture Committee, and is intended to bring full transparency to financial markets, prevent future bailouts and keep jobs on Main Street.

On April 20, 2010, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about Equal Pay Day. Gender discrimination still exists in our country, and hopefully today will serve as an important reminder that we must redouble our efforts to fully close the wage gap.

Senator Leahy is urging Vermonters to send their thoughts via video message to members of the Vermont National Guard's 86th Brigade who are deployed in Afghanistan, and other Vermont service members who are stationed across the globe. For more information on this project, please visit Postcards From Home.

Senator Leahy is urging Vermonters to send their thoughts via video message to members of the Vermont National Guard's 86th Brigade who are deployed in Afghanistan, and other Vermont service members who are stationed across the globe. For more information on this project, please visit Postcards From Home.

On March 23, 2010, Senator Leahy joined other members of Congress and health care reform advocates at the White House to watch as President Obama signed into law the historic Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation is the most comprehensive health care reform since the creation of the Medicare program in 1965. This will provide health insurance for more than 32 million uninsured Americans and improve our national health care system.

On March 18, Senator Patrick Leahy announced that the final health reform package that is headed for House and Senate votes will recognize the early investment Vermont has made in its Medicaid program, meaning more than $100 million in added funding for Vermonts Medicaid programs over the next ten years.

On March 18, 2010, the USDA's Inspector General released a long awaited audit of the national organic standards and labeling program. Senator Leahy, the father of the organic program, also secured funds for this audit. Leahy commented on the audits findings after it was released.

On March 11, 2010, Senator Leahy questioned Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on the President's Fiscal Year 2011 budget requests. Senator Leahy was able to ask about how the budget will affect rural housing efforts, support for shared equity programs, and what steps the HUD Department is taking to improve oversight of lenders participating in the Making Home Affordable program.

On March 9, 2010, Senator Leahy attended a Senate hearing with Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar. At the hearing, Leahy warned Secretary Salazar that a rapidly spreading bat pandemic continues unchecked and could be on the verge of sweeping across the country. White Nose Syndrome, which was first found in bats in the Northeast, has wiped out millions of bats and was found for the first time last month in Tennessee. Leahy also questioned the Secretary on the Eagle Point property in Derby, Vermont. The 480-acre parcel of land is coming up on a September deadline for the Interior Department to accept the land as a gift from the estate of the late Michael Dunn.

Burlington Police Chief Michael E. Schirling testified March 3, 2010, before a congressional panel chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy. Leahy invited Schirling to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Encouraging Innovative and Cost-Effective Crime Reduction Strategies.

Senator Leahy delivered a statement on the Senate floor on March 2, 2010, honoring the 21 Vermonters who competed in the Olympic games in Vancouver. The Senator commended the athletes for all their hard work and for being positive role models for young Vermonters.

U.S. Senators Leahy and Dick Lugar (R-IN) discuss bipartisanship in the Senate, comparing how it was decades ago to the current climate on Capitol Hill. They spoke with Candy Crowley of CNN. Aired February 26, 2010.

On February 24, 2010, Senator Leahy gave brief opening remarks at a seminar at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., on expanding homeownership. Brenda Torpy, of Burlington's Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) and is featured at the beginning of this video, attended the event which highlighted the innovative model known as shared equity. CHT has been a national leader in using this model to make homeownership more accessible to more moderate and low-income Vermonters.

You can read more about the event, or watch video of the entire event, on the Center for American Progress' website.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee today on Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request. Senator Leahy is chairman of this subcommittee and asked about Iran's satellite jamming of broadcasts by BBC, Voice of America and Deutsche Welle. Senator Leahy asked Secretary Clinton about the Electronic Curtain the Iranian regime is using to cut Iranians access to the outside world and to each other, over social media and other communications links.

On February 4, 2010, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate Floor about eleven doctors, nurses and other health professionals who traveled to Haiti to volunteer after the devastating January 12th earthquake. Senator Leahy shared some of the stories and pictures from their time there.

On February 3, 2010, President Obama spoke at the Senate Democratic Conference. Senator Leahy had the chance to ask the President if he will continue to nominate people for federal judicial seats as quickly as possible and will he work with both sides to see these posts are filled?

On January 27, 2010, President Obama addressed Congress in his State of the Union address.

On January 28, 2010, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizen's United v Federal Election Commission. The Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision last week that reversed long-standing precedent and declared government restrictions on corporate independent expenditures on elections to be unconstitutional in violation of the First Amendment.

On January 22, 2010, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke on the Senate floor on the widespread devastation in Haiti, ten days after a deadly earthquake rattled the hemispheres poorest country. Just as Haiti was moving towards political stability and increased economic development, the hope of a new future was buried in rubble. Now is an opportunity to help rebuild Haiti better than it was before. Despite the massive loss of life and the destruction of thousands of homes, the response from around the world has been one of compassion and generosity.

On January 20, 2010, Senator Patrick Leahy chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about the failed Christmas Day airliner plot and its lessons for improving the effectiveness of anti-terrorism tools and inter-agency communication. FBI Director Robert Mueller and other homeland security officials testified before the Committee. Leahy also asked questions about an Inspector General report released Wednesday morning about the FBIs misuse of so-called exigent letters in requesting phone records of Americans.

On January 6, 2010, Senator Leahy addressed about 100 members of the 101st Field Artillery B Battery of the Vermont National Guard who are being called to duty for the mission in Afghanistan. The ceremony was held at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction. The troops also heard from Major General Michael Dubie, Governor Jim Douglas, Congressman Peter Welch, and a representative from Senator Bernie Sanders' office. Video from WCAX, Channel 3.

On December 1, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke on the Senate floor regarding the Cartagena Landmine Ban Treaty Review Conference. Last week, the Obama Administration announced that the United States would not be signing the landmine ban treaty. The United States is one of only 37 countries that have not joined the treaty, including Russia and China.

On Saturday, November 21, 2009, in a rare weekend session, Senator Leahy spoke during floor debate on the Senate's health insurance reform plan. By a vote of 60 to 39, the Senate voted to end a filibuster by the Senate Republicans on a procedural vote to move to debate on the health insurance plan. Senator Leahy voted against the filibuster, in support of moving to debate on this legislation.

On November 18, 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a hearing on "Department of Justice Oversight." Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) chaired the hearing and asked Holder several questions, including questions on trying the 9/11 terrorists in New York City, and about the shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas.

On November 18, 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a hearing on "Department of Justice Oversight." Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) chaired the hearing and asked Holder several questions, including questions on trying the 9/11 terrorists in New York City, and about the shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas.

On November 4, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of Christina Reiss to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Vermont.

On Wednesday, November 4, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke on the Senate floor about health insurance reform and Vermont. While Vermont has been a model in coordinating care and offering wider health coverage through public programs, it is time to move forward on national health insurance reform.

On October 28, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to examine federal efforts to combat health care fraud. This video has some excerpts from Leahy's opening statement and a question he asked witness Tony West, who is the Assistant Attorney General from the U.S. Department of Justice.

In a news conference in the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Vermont U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed Thursday nights final passage of long-sought legislation to strengthen federal hate crime laws. Leahy is chief sponsor of the hate crimes legislation that is now headed to President Obama, who has said he will sign it. The hate crimes measure will broaden federal hate crimes law to include crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

In a news conference in the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Vermont U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed Thursday nights final passage of long-sought legislation to strengthen federal hate crime laws. Leahy is chief sponsor of the hate crimes legislation that is now headed to President Obama, who has said he will sign it. The hate crimes measure will broaden federal hate crimes law to include crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

On October 21, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) to announce that he will offer an amendment to health care reform legislation that will eliminate antitrust exemptions for insurance companies.

On October 21, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke on the Senate floor about the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which will be included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The Senate is expected to vote on the Defense bill later this week.

Will my medical privacy be compromised with health care reform legislation?

Senator Leahy has received many questions from Vermonters about the health care reform debate currently happening in the Senate.

On October 14, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) held a hearing to examine the health insurance industry antitrust exemption. Since 1945, the insurance industry has been exempt from our nation's antitrust laws, which is anticompetitive and wrong. Senator Leahy introduced the Health Insurance Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 to end this exemption. This bill would give doctors and consumers the confidence that the price they pay for insurance is fair and the product of a competitive marketplace.

Will we have enough doctors and nurses to deal with the increase in the number of the insured?

Senator Leahy has received many questions from Vermonters about the health care reform debate currently happening in the Senate.

Myth v Fact
MYTH: No one agrees on what should be in health care reform
FACT: Congress agrees on almost 80% of the health care bills pending before the House of Representatives and the Senate.

On September 30, Senator Leahy and Senator Sanders announced an agreement by Senate and House negotiators to include $350 million for hard-pressed dairy farmers.

Why dont we just slow down the process on health care reform or start over from scratch?

Senator Leahy has received many questions from Vermonters about the health care reform debate currently happening in the Senate.

On September 15, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and several other senators at a press conference on Capitol Hill in support of struggling dairy farmers across the country.

On Thursday, September 10, 2009, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) honored the passing of his friend and colleague with a statement on the Senate Floor.  

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) made comments on health care reform and why it's important for Congress to address this now and why it's important to include a public option.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced Friday, July 31, 2009, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will raise the floor price for dairy products, beginning immediately. This short-term boost in the price the federal goverment pays for milk and dairy products will help stabilize milk prices and provide support for struggling dairy farms in Vermont and around the country.

On July 29, 2009, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 10 other senators met with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to discuss dairy price supports. The coalition, led by Leahy, urged Vilsack to use his authority to raise the floor price to help farmers all over the country who are facing falling milk and dairy product prices.

On July 29, 2009, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) held a press conference with several civil rights leaders to discuss the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. This video shows supporting comments from Sen. Reid, Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, and Sen. Leahy. Lopez spoke today representing the Naitonal Hispanic Leadership Agenda.

On July 28, 2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee recommended the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor favorably to the Senate floor by a bipartisan vote of 13-6.

During the first round of questions at the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sotomayor about some of her remarks she made earlier in her career and how her experiences have impacted her. Sotomayor responds that "no words that I have ever spoken or written have received so much attention."

On July 13, 2009, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT.) chaired the hearing on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. During the first day of the hearing, senators on the Judiciary Committee will give their opening remarks, followed by Judge Sotomayor's opening remarks.

On July 7, 2009, Sen. Leahy was joined by leaders from eight national law enforcement organizations in support of the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Leahy also released the results of a comprehensive study of Sotomayor's appellate decisions in criminal justice cases.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) recently taped a message to Vermonters about health care reform.

On June 16, 2009, Senator Leahy (D-Vt.) gave a lecture at the University of the District of Columbia on the Supreme Court and the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice.

On June 16, 2009, Senator Leahy (D-Vt.) gave a lecture at the University of the District of Columbia on the Supreme Court and the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice.

On June 9, Senator Leahy spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the timing of the Judiciary Committee hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) met with Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who was nominated by President Obama to replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Leahy will oversee Sotomayor's confirmation hearings.

On May 6, the Senate Judiciary Committee held its first Department of Homeland Security oversight hearing since the beginning of the year. This was Secretary Janet Napolitano's appearance before the Committee. Senator Leahy asked many questions, including the ones shown here about H2-A Visas for seasonal workers and the border stations along I-91 in Vermont.

Senator Leahy chaired a hearing on the 25th Anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, which was passed by Congress to protect and support victims of crime. The Victims of Crime Fund is funding not through taxes, but through federal crime fines and penalties.

At a press conference earlier today, Leahy made the following comments about the decision of Senator Arlen Specter to change political parties. Specter is the senior Senator from Pennsylvania.

On Wednesday, April 22, Sen. Leahy was joined by Sens. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) at a press conference on a bill to strengthen the enforcement of anti-fraud bills. This bill will increase the tools available to help prosecutors combat fraud by authorizing funding and amending federal law to give law enforcement enhanced tools for fighting fraud.

On Wednesday, April 22, Sen. Leahy introduced a Senate resolution to honor Captain Richard Phillips and his rescuers. The resolution will put the Senate on record in hailing the heroism and selflessness of Captain Phillips and the bravery of his U.S. Armed Forces rescuers.

On April 2, Senator Leahy announced the Vermont National Guard will receive $3.5 million in federal stimulus funds to renovate its buildings. Leahy says this is a "three-fer for Vermont." These funds will go towards projects that will create jobs, offer better facilities for our Guard members and gie greater budget leeway for other Guard projects down the road.

On Wednesday, March 11, Senator Leahy opened debate on the Senate floor on the nomination of David Ogden to be Deputy Attorney General of the United States. Ogden was first nominated on January 5, and a final vote is expected later this week.

Senator Leahy first proposed such a commission at a speech in Georgetown on Feb. 9 and this is the panels first look at the effectiveness of such commissions. Leahy proposed forming a nonpartisan commission to examine the policies and actions of the Bush Administration. The goal of the commission is to uncover the truth so that similar mistakes will not occur in the future.

On Feb. 25, Leahy addressed the U.S. Senate to announce that the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on March 4 to explore ideas on whether and if so, how best -- to establish a nonpartisan truth commission to examine rule-of-law matters such as torture, extraordinary rendition to countries that torture, and other issues from recent years. Leahy first raised the idea of a truth commission on Feb. 9, 2009.

Senator Leahy today on the Senate Floor urged prompt final action on the economic recovery package. Leahy said this plan will create and save jobs, relieve state and local deficits in Vermont and other states, cut taxes for working families and for businesses, and invest in road, bridges and other infrastructure projects.

During a speech at Georgetown University on February 9, 2009, Sen. Leahy introduced his idea for a reconciliation and truth commission, whose mission would be to find the truth about the last eight years.

Senator Leahy and Governor Douglas met this afternoon to discuss the economic recover plan. Leahy is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which handles the Senates work in drafting the spending sections of the package. Douglas has endorsed the plan. The Senate begins debating the stimulus package today. The Appropriations Committee on Friday released its official analysis of the formula grant totals that Vermont and other states would receive under the Senates version of the bill.

Senator Leahy managed the Senate's debate on the nomination of Eric H. Holder Jr. to be Attorney General of the United States. Leahy delivered his opening floor statement around 3pm on February 2, and a vote was held later in the evening. By a vote of 75 to 21, Holder was confirmed as Attorney General.

The Senate is currently considering the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which will extend and renew coverage for millions of uninsured children across the country. Senator Leahy comments on CHIP and how this legislation will affect Vermonts uninsured children, as well as why this legislation is important now.

During an executive business meeting on January 28, 2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee discussed and voted on the nomination of Eric Holder to be Attorney General. His nomination passed the Committee by a vote of 17-2. The nomination is now sent to the full Senate.

Sen. Leahy says the economic stimulus plan approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee will ease Vermont's widening state budget deficit and bolster Vermont's economy.

At the conclusion of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings to consider the nomination of Eric Holder to be Attorney General, Leahy explained what he thought the hearings revealed about the kind of Attorney General Holder will be, what needs to be done to restore confidence at the Department of Justice, and about Holders answer to Leahys questions about torture techniques like waterboarding.

Some senators had looked at the Holder nomination as the most controversial of Obamas picks for his Cabinet, but the hearings gave Holder a chance to demonstrate his deep experience and quick wit.

During Round One of questioning, Leahy asked Holder questions on waterboarding, the Second Amendment, media shield legislation, and the pardon of fugitive Mark Rich. Watch Leahy's questions and Holder's answers here.

At the confirmation hearing Wednesday for President-elect Obamas choice for Secretary of Agriculture former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack -- Senator Leahy today asked about one of Vermont's priorities when he asked about organic farming. Leahy is the father of the organic standards and labeling program that has helped vault organic products into the fastest growing sector of American agriculture.

Senator Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, had a chance to visit the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, and view an exhibit on Samuel de Champlain. 2009 marks the 400th Anniversary of de Champlain's arrival to Lake Champlain. Throughout 2009, special events and opportunities are planned for young and old alike to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of this historic occasion.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) met with Attorney General Designate Eric Holder on Monday December 8, 2008 in his Washington office. Leahy said he supports Holder's nomination and he intends to hold nomination hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee in early January. Holder and Leahy met with reporters before a private meeting. Leahy then held a press conference after his meeting with Holder.

Full Committee Hearing On Promoting Health, Preventing Chronic Disease and Fighting Hunger, Assessment of USDA Food Assistance and Child Nutrition Programs in the Economic Downturn

SJC Hearing held at 10:00am in SH-216.