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Search Senator Leahy’s press releases, floor statements, and Committee speeches by date or by subject.
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Nomination Of Morgan Christen To The Ninth Circuit
Today, the Senate will finally consider the nomination of Justice Morgan Christen of Alaska to fill one of four vacancies on the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, all of which are judicial emergency vacancies. With today's long overdue vote, the Senate will take the first step towards addressing a serious vacancy crisis on the busiest Federal appeals court in the country. I thank the Majority Leader for scheduling today's vote. It should not have taken more than three months to obtain … Continue Reading
12.14.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Keystone XL Tar Sands Oil Pipeline
Mr. President, the House Republicans have sent us a payroll tax bill that is more of a political campaign commercial than a piece of serious legislation. Extending this tax break for ordinary Americans evidently has been a tough sell in the other body, unlike the eagerness found there for even more tax relief for the very wealthy. Among the many unrelated, controversial provisions they have attached as sweeteners is one that would force the President to approve the Keystone XL tar sands oil pi… Continue Reading
12.14.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy At A Hearing On Oversight Of The Federal Bureau Of Investigation
Today the Judiciary Committee hears from Director Robert Mueller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This is the Director's third appearance before this Committee this year. I thank Director Mueller once again for agreeing to put his life on hold when called upon by the President earlier this year to continue to serve as FBI Director. His commitment and dedication to service are exemplary. The Bureau plays an integral role in protecting our Nation's security through its counter… Continue Reading
12.13.11
Leahy And Graham: Final Defense Bill Elevates National Guard To Joint Chiefs Of Staff And Includes Other Elements Of The Leahy-Graham Guard Empowerment Bill
(TUESDAY, Dec. 13) - In a far-reaching and historic advance for the National Guard's role in the nation's defense and security structure, bipartisan conferees on the annual Defense Authorization Bill have agreed to give the National Guard its first seat on the nation's highest military council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the Senate's sponsors of the Guard reforms, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The final version of the defense bill also includes … Continue Reading
12.13.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On A Proposed Balanced Budget Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States
All Senators swear an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States." That is our duty and responsibility. The pending amendments to the Constitution threaten the constitutional principles that have sustained our democracy for more than 200 years. In addressing the Nation's debt and deficit, what is lacking are not phrases in our Constitution. What is lacking is the seriousness within today's Congress to act, and the willingness in Congress to cooperate in forgoing solut… Continue Reading
12.13.11
Delegation Announces $2 Million To Bolster St. Albans Streetscape Project
, December 13 - Vermont's congressional delegation - Sens. Patrick Leahy, Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch - today announced that St. Albans has been awarded a $2,088,496 federal grant for its ongoing streetscape project. The grant, awarded by the Department of Transportation, will fund continued downtown improvements. The multi-phased project includes the comprehensive redesign of Main Street and its sidewalks; replacement of street lights, traffic signal arms, and traffic lights; replaceme… Continue Reading
12.08.11
Moretown Elementary
On December 8, 2011 Senator Leahy held an online chat with over 40 3rd and 6th grade students from Moretown Elementary. Using Skype to communicate with students and their teacher, Senator Leahy spoke about the great work the teachers and students have done at Moretown to continue classes after Hurricane Irene. The students also asked Senator Leahy about his thoughts on the Occupy Wall Street movement, what the government is doing to help farmers, and questions about the war in Afghanistan. Thi… Continue Reading
12.08.11
Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Leahy Bill To Increase Penalties For Counterfeit Drugs
(Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011) - The Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday approved bipartisan legislation to increase penalties for trafficking counterfeit drugs. "The sale of counterfeit medication is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that threatens the health and safety of American consumers," said Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). "Law enforcement is finding counterfeit versions of drugs that patients rely on to treat blood clots, cholesterol, prostate cancer, influenza, Alzheimer's… Continue Reading
12.07.11
Renewing Our Commitment To Combating Domestic And Sexual Violence
Last week, we joined together to introduce the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011. For almost 18 years, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been the centerpiece of the federal government's commitment to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We should reauthorize and strengthen these programs. Since it was first enacted in 1994, the programs authorized by VAWA have provided the resources and training needed in our communities… Continue Reading
12.07.11
Jay Peak’s Bill Stenger Testifies Before Leahy-Chaired Panel In Washington
(Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011) - U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) chaired a hearing Wednesday morning on a key foreign investor program that has successfully drawn millions of dollars in economic investment to Vermont's economy. The hearing was held before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which Leahy chairs, and focused on the reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center Program, and its impact on economic development and job creation in communities in Vermont and across the country. Leahy inv… Continue Reading
12.06.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Vote On The Motion To Invoke Cloture On The Nomination Of Caitlin Halligan To The D.C. Circuit Court Of Appeals
"Caitlin Halligan is, by all accounts, a qualified, mainstream, and respected nominee. Senate Republicans' shifting standards on judicial nominations have resulted in cloture motions filed on the most consensus of nominations, and even a district court nomination earlier this year. The new standard applied by Senate Republicans to nominations to the D.C. Circuit will make it nearly impossible for nominees of any President to be confirmed to this important court. "Ms. Halligan is the kind of n… Continue Reading
12.06.11
Leahy: End Filibuster Of Halligan Nomination And Vote On This Well-Qualified Nominee
[The Senate will vote at noon today on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.] Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Cloture On The Nomination Of Caitlin Halligan to the D.C. Circuit December 6, 2011 The Senate stands at a crossroads today. Voting to end the partisan filibuster of this judicial nomination is as important as it was when the Senate did so in con… Continue Reading
12.05.11
Leahy: Halligan A Superbly Qualified Nominee Worthy Of Bipartisan Senate Support
[The Senate will vote Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Read Senator Leahy's full statement on the nomination online.] Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Cloture On The Nomination Of Caitlin Halligan to the D.C. Circuit December 5, 2011 Tomorrow the Senate should be holding an up-or-down vote on the long-dela… Continue Reading
12.05.11
POLITICO's 2011 Policy Report Card
Welcome to POLITICO's 2011 Policy Report Card. And if you're reading this at the Mandarin Oriental, welcome to the first ever POLITICO-POLITICO Pro Policy and Politics Conference and Awards Dinner. It's a chance to take stock of a tumultuous year in policy - and of the policymakers who made it happen. We asked readers to nominate Policymakers of the Year in health care, energy and technology, and leaders at POLITICO and POLITICO Pro worked through hundreds of nominees to choose the Policymak… Continue Reading
12.05.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Trademark Protection
In response to press stories about Vermont artist Bo Muller-Moore's trademark challenge, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following comment today. In 2010, Senator Leahy, authored legislation to help assist trademark owners in maintaining the protection of their brands. Included in that law was a requirement for the Department of Commerce to study whether large corporations are misusing the trademark laws to harass small businesses by exaggerating the scope of their trademark protect… Continue Reading
12.02.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On General Electric Aviation’s Announcement On The Alternate Engine Program
"While I am deeply disappointed by the decision by GE Aviation and Rolls Royce to terminate their self-funding of the F136 alternate engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, I understand why they made that choice. The F-35 program has performed miserably with delays and cost overruns becoming the rule rather than the exception. In fact if the Pentagon had diversified its fighter portfolio instead of putting all of our eggs in just one basket, the F-35 program probably would have been … Continue Reading
12.02.11
Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Postal Service’s Decision To Begin A Consolidation Process Of The White River Junction Mail Handling Facility
"Putting people out of work and making the postal system slower will not save the Postal Service from its financial woes. I do not support the closing or consolidation of Postal Service mail handling facilities if it means a significant reduction in service for Vermonters. I am concerned that this consolidation will mean a change for Vermonters from overnight service for the cost of a stamp to significantly longer mail delivery times. Senator Sanders and I have introduced legislation to make… Continue Reading
12.02.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Cloture Motion On The Nomination Of Caitlin Halligan To Serve On The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The District Of Columbia
Majority Leader Reid Thursday night filed cloture on the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The Senate will vote at approximately noon on Tuesday on the motion to invoke cloture. "Caitlin Halligan is a widely respected attorney with an impressive background and long record of public service. Her nomination to fill one of three vacant seats on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has received support from across … Continue Reading
12.01.11
Senate Adopts Leahy Amendment To Promote Transparency In Defense Auth. Bill
(Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011) - The U.S. Senate Thursday adopted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to limit an overbroad legislative exemption to the Freedom of Information Act. The amendment was adopted unanimously. The Senate will vote on final passage of the NDAA later this evening. Leahy's amendment adds a public interest balancing test requiring the Secretary of Defense to consider whether the disclosure of critical infrast… Continue Reading
12.01.11
Leahy Hails Naming Of Vermont’s Jean Richardson To National Organic Standards Board
(THURSDAY, Dec. 1) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday that a Vermont maple producer and rural development and environmental policy expert has been named to the advisory board that helps set standards for organic agriculture and products. Leahy said University of Vermont emeritus professor Jean Richardson will assume the consumer/public interest slot on the 15-member National Organic Standards Board, which has a key role in the national organic standards and labeling program, es… Continue Reading
