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Search Senator Leahy’s press releases, floor statements, and Committee speeches by date or by subject.
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Obama Administration’s Cybersecurity Proposals
"I welcome the President's proposals to strengthen and enhance our national cybersecurity. I am pleased that the package includes proposals to establish a national standard for data breach notification and new tools to combat cybercrime. These provisions mirror the bipartisan Leahy Personal Data Privacy and Security Act, which the Judiciary Committee has favorably reported several times in past Congresses. The recent reports of data security breaches at Sony and Epsilon, along with the new pr… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Vermont Guard Wins $2 Million More for Model Veterans Outreach Program
, May 12 - The Department of Defense today committed more than $2.1 million for a one-year extension of a Vermont National Guard outreach program to help veterans returning from deployments in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Vermont Guard program was funded since 2006 by federal grants secured by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. With continued funding for the program in jeopardy, a Sanders provision was added to a 2011 Pentagon appropriations bill… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Leahy, Hatch, Grassley Unveil Targeted Bill To Counter Online Infringement
(Thursday, May 12, 2011) - Senate Judiciary Committee leaders Thursday renewed bipartisan efforts to counter the illegal online sale of counterfeit goods. Legislation introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) aims to crack down on rogue websites dedicated to the sale of infringing or counterfeit goods. The Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act, or PROTECT IP Act, follows bipartisan legi… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The President’s Decision To Ask Director Mueller To Continue For Two Years As Director Of The Federal Bureau Of Investigation
"While the threat from al Qaeda continues, and as the President makes necessary shifts in his national security team, I was delighted when President Obama informed me that he has asked Director Mueller to stay on at the Bureau for an additional two years. "The Bureau has seen significant transformation since September 11, 2001, and Director Mueller has handled this evolution with professionalism and focus. The FBI plays a critical role in our efforts to protect national security. I appreciate… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On the 2011 National Police Week
This afternoon I had the honor of attending the Top Cops event hosted by President Obama at the White House. I will be honored Sunday to attend the National Peace Officers Memorial ceremony. I appreciate the support the President is showing for our law enforcement officers not just this week but every week. Local law enforcement is critical to the peace and security of our families and communities in Vermont and across the country. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation to … Continue Reading
05.11.11
Leahy Speaks About Potential Vermont Impact Of Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
This morning's hearing on the AT&T/T-Mobile Merger is being webcast live online. Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing On "The AT&T/T-Mobile Merger: Is Humpty Dumpty Being Put Back Together Again?" May 11, 2011 Today, we examine the competitive impact of AT&T's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile. This acquisition would combine the Nation's second and fourth largest providers of wireless communications, and will have a last… Continue Reading
05.10.11
Leahy: Debate On Chen Nomination Long Overdue
The Senate today is debating on the nomination of Edward Chen to fill a judicial emergency vacancy on the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California. Chen was first nominated for the vacancy on August 6, 2009. He has four times been reported by the Judiciary Committee. Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination Of Ed Chen To The District Court For The Northern District Of California May 10, 2011 Today the Sen… Continue Reading
05.10.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Comprehensive Immigration Reform
"I listened with interest to President Obama's remarks in Texas today about our broken immigration system. I am committed to comprehensive immigration reform, as I always have been. That is why I supported the comprehensive proposal introduced by Senator Menendez last Congress, and I supported President George W. Bush's efforts before that. "Immigration reform is a complicated and emotional topic, and while there are many differences of opinion, there are more areas in which we are in agreeme… Continue Reading
05.10.11
Stowe Elementary School
On May 10, 2011 Senator Leahy held an online chat with 4th and 5th grade students on the Stowe Elementary School Student Council. Using Skype to communicate with students, their advisors, and principal, Senator Leahy spoke about what it was like to be a young Senator and his favorite parts of the job. Students also asked questions about the conflicts in Libya and Afghanistan, the death of Osama Bin Laden, and the recent flooding and tornadoes around the country. This was Senator Leahy's fourth t… Continue Reading
05.10.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Subcommittee On Privacy, Technology And The Law Hearing On “Protecting Mobile Privacy: Your Smartphones, Tablets, Cell Phones and Your Privacy.”
Today, the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law holds a very important hearing on the privacy implications of Smartphones and other mobile applications. I commend the Subcommittee's Chairman, Senator Franken, for holding this timely hearing -- the first for this new subcommittee -- and I thank him for his dedicated leadership on consumer privacy issues. Throughout my three decades in the Senate, I have worked to safeguard the privacy rights of all Americans. Ensuring that our Fede… Continue Reading
05.09.11
Leahy: “No Justification” For Failure To Act On Cole Nomination
The Senate is expected to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of James Cole to be the Deputy Attorney General of the United States around 5:30 p.m. this evening. Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On Cloture On The Nomination Of Jim Cole To Be Deputy Attorney General May 9, 2011 As Prepared For Delivery The Majority Leader has been required to file cloture in an attempt to overcome a Republican filibuster of the nominatio… Continue Reading
05.09.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Failed Vote On The Motion To Invoke Cloture On The Nomination Of James Cole To Be The Deputy Attorney General
"One week ago, a successful operation led to the death of the world's number one terrorist. Experts and the American people believe that we are now facing a heightened terrorism threat in the wake of the raid upon Osama bin Laden's compound. Our success in protecting our Nation depends on the ability of the President to rely on his national security team. Jim Cole is a key member of that team, with a well-deserved reputation for toughness, fairness, and integrity. He has demonstrated the lea… Continue Reading
05.05.11
Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Cloture Motion On The Nomination Of Jim Cole To Be The Deputy Attorney General
"The Deputy Attorney General - the number two position at the Department of Justice - is a critical national security position. Jim Cole is serving in this post now, but his nomination has been held up for far too long. Former Deputy Attorneys General who served under Democratic and Republican Presidents wrote to the Senate last year, explaining the importance of this position, and urging us to take action and vote on the nomination, which has received significant bipartisan support. "The Jud… Continue Reading
05.05.11
The Leahy Letter -- May 5, 2011
After A Decade, Justice: Senator Leahy Speaks About The Death Of Osama Bin Laden Following the announcement of the attack by U.S. Navy SEALS on a compound in Pakistan housing Osama bin Laden and his subsequent demise, Senator Leahy made the following remarks on the floor of the Senate. "Today is a memorable day in our Nation's history. Osama bin Laden, a man responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including so many Americans lost on September 11, 2001, has been killed. … Continue Reading
05.05.11
Leahy, Grassley Roll Out New Anti-Fraud Legislation
(Thursday, May 5, 2011) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced legislation Thursday to bolster law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute fraud. The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act builds on successful efforts by Leahy and Grassley in the last Congress to enact legislation to help the Department of Justice and other agencies fight fraud. The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act will enhance exist… Continue Reading
05.04.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Republican Filibuster Of The District Court Nomination Of Jack McConnell
NOTE: The Senate is expected to vote after 12:15 on the motion to invoke cloture on the McConnell nomination. I hope that all Senators have had a chance to consider the remarks of the Senators from Rhode Island on this nomination. I do not think that anyone could listen to the remarks of the distinguished senior Senator from Rhode Island yesterday and today and come away doing anything other than voting for cloture. Likewise, Senator Whitehouse, who spoke this morning and has shepherded this … Continue Reading
05.04.11
Senate Confirms Long Pending District Court Nomination
(Wednesday, May 4, 2011) - The U.S. Senate Wednesday overcame a filibuster driven by Senate Republicans and confirmed a long-pending federal district court nomination. A majority of the Senate voted to confirm district court nominee John McConnell to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. "There was no need for cloture to be filed on this nomination," said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). "There were no 'extraordinary circumstances' that held up … Continue Reading
05.04.11
Leahy Chairs SJC Oversight Hearing With Attorney General Holder
(Wednesday, May 4, 2011) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy Wednesday morning chaired an oversight hearing of the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney General Eric Holder testified before the panel. Testimony, member statements, and a webcast of the hearing are available online. Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing On Oversight Of The Department Of Justice May 4, 2011 The Committee holds this oversight hearing today… Continue Reading
05.03.11
Senate Adopts Resolution Designating May 2011 National Inventors Month
News Brief WASHINGTON (Tuesday, May 3, 2011) - The U.S. Senate Tuesday night adopted a resolution sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) designating May 2011 as National Inventors Month. Every May, a new class of inventors is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The 2011 induction ceremony is scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 4. Congress has moved forward this year with legislative efforts to help inventors and innovators by updating… Continue Reading
05.03.11
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Republican Filibuster Of The District Court Nomination Of Jack McConnell
Last night, Majority Leader Reid was forced to file another cloture petition on a Federal judicial nominee, the fifth required to be filed during President Obama's term. Among the highly-qualified nominees being stalled is Jack McConnell, who is nominated to a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. I am concerned that we have to file cloture on nominations that should simply have an up-or-down vote. I hope we are not returning to the situation we had durin… Continue Reading
