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Stronger Tools And Better Watchdogging Needed To Protect Public From Housing, Financial And Bailout Fraud
The following guest column by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) about the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act was originally published in the Rutland Herald (Vermont) on April 22, 2009. The Senate this week is debating the Leahy-authored anti-fraud measure. This week the Senate is nearing a vote on legislation to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the kinds of financial frauds that have severely undermined our economy and… Continue Reading
04.22.09
Broad Support For Fraud Enforcement Legislation
Sen. Leahy Holds Press Conference On Fraud Enforcement Legislation WASHINGTON (Wednesday, April 22, 2009) - Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday urged the Senate to pass the bipartisan Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (FERA) without delay, citing broad support from law enforcement, the White House, and the Department of Justice. Leahy introduced FERA with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) on February 5. The Judiciary Committee, which Leahy chairs and of … Continue Reading
04.22.09
Senate To Consider Leahy-Grassley Anti-Fraud Measure During Wednesday’s Session
On Wednesday, April 22, the Senate will consider S.386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA). The bill was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), and Senator Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) on February 5, and was reported by the Judiciary Committee on March 5. The legislation has received broad, bipartisan support and is cosponsored by Senators Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.),… Continue Reading
04.22.09
Mettawee Community School
On April 22, 2009, Senator Leahy held his fifth online chat for the 2008-2009 school year. By using web cameras and microphones, Senator Leahy was able to see and hear students at Mettawee Community School and the students were able to see video of Senator Leahy from their classroom. The students asked a range of questions, from what charities does he support to whether he has any pets. While Senator Leahy was able to answer many of the students' questions via video, there were still several … Continue Reading
04.21.09
Leahy, Goodlatte, And Boucher Announce Senator John Thune As New Co-Chair Of Congressional Internet Caucus
(April 21, 2009) - Senator John Thune (R-SD) has become the new Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus, which is also co-chaired by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA). The ascension of Senator Thune to the leadership of one of the most active and prestigious caucuses in Congress reinforces the bi-partisanship that has been the hallmark of the Congressional Internet Caucus during more than a dozen years since its incept… Continue Reading
04.21.09
Comment On President Obama’s Comments On Review Of National Security Policies
"I agree with President Obama: an examination into these Bush-Cheney era national security policies must be nonpartisan. This is in line with what I have proposed through an independent Commission of Inquiry. Unfortunately, Republicans have shown no interest in a nonpartisan review. Nonetheless, the consensus to review these policies is growing, and I will continue to develop this proposal." # # # # #… Continue Reading
04.21.09
Judiciary Committee Notices Seventh Nominations Hearing Of 2009
(Tuesday, April 21, 2009) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Tuesday noticed a hearing to consider pending judicial and executive nominations. It will be the Committee's seventh nominations hearing of the year. The hearing will be held April 29. The Committee will consider the nominations of Thomas E. Perez to be the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, and the nomination of Andre Davis to fill a vacancy on the U… Continue Reading
04.20.09
Senate Confirms Three Justice Department Nominees
(Monday, April 20, 2009) - The Senate Monday night confirmed three nominees to lead key divisions at the Justice Department: Lanny Breuer to lead the Criminal Division; Christine Varney to lead the Antitrust Division, and Tony West to lead the Civil Division. The nominees appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 10. The Committee reported the nominations to the full Senate for consideration on March 26. West was confirmed by a vote of 82-4, Breuer was confirmed by a vote o… Continue Reading
04.20.09
Senate Begins Debate On Leahy-Authored Anti-Fraud Legislation To Improve Watchdogging Of TARP Funds And Other Financial Sector Activities
(MONDAY, April 20) - The Senate Monday began debate on the bipartisan Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (FERA), legislation that will increase the tools available to help prosecutors combat fraud. The bill was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on February 5. The measure cleared the Committee on March 5. "At its core, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act authorizes the resources necessary for the Justice Department, the FBI, and other investigati… Continue Reading
04.20.09
Comment On The Nomination Of Judge William K. Sessions III To Be Chair Of the U.S. Sentencing Commission
"Vermonters know well the quality of service Judge Sessions has brought to the bench in Vermont, where he has served as a well-respected federal judge for more than 13 years. I am pleased that President Obama has nominated him to serve as chair of the United States Sentencing Commission, where he has served with insight, experience and distinction for a decade. I hope the Senate will again act unanimously to confirm this appointment, just as we did in 1999 when he was first nominated to … Continue Reading
04.17.09
More than $33 Million for Vermont Border Points of Entry
BURLINGTON, April 17 - Two Department of Homeland Security border stations in Franklin County will share an estimated $33 million in economic stimulus funds, Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch announced today. The Obama administration notified the Vermont congressional delegation of the $15.7 million estimated allotment for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Morses Line. Another $17. 7 million will fund improvements at the Pinnacle Road port of ent… Continue Reading
04.16.09
Comment On The Release Of Documents From The Office Of Legal Counsel
The Bush administration not only ran roughshod over our values and law, they undercut the public trust of the American people and tarnished American's prestige and authority throughout the world. The Department of Justice has now released an unredacted Office of Legal Counsel memo written by Jay Bybee in 2002 memo as well as three more memos written in 2005 by acting OLC head Steven Bradbury. These legal memoranda demonstrate in alarming detail exactly what the Bush administration aut… Continue Reading
04.12.09
Comment On The Rescue Of Captain Richard Phillips Of Underhill, Vermont
"Like all Vermonters, and people all across our great country, Marcelle and I had prayed for the safety of Captain Phillips. This morning we prayed for him at Easter Mass, and as we left the church I was notified by the White House that this courageous Vermonter was safe. Marcelle and I cheered, as I am certain so many Vermonters did -- especially the Phillips family -- when they heard this great news. When I called Mrs. Phillips it was one of the happiest calls I ever made. What a mem… Continue Reading
04.09.09
Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Release Of $24 Million In Stimulus Funds To Vermont
(THURSDAY, April 9) -- Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch announced Thursday the release of $24 million in federal stimulus funds to Vermont. The five grants were authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which President Obama signed into law on February 17. Vermont is expected to receive more than $700 million from the ARRA. The grants announced this week support a variety of programs, including support for food pantries and shelters… Continue Reading
04.09.09
Leahy Taps Veteran Economic Development Specialist Molly Lambert As USDA Rural Development State Director For Vermont And New Hampshire
(THURSDAY, April 9) -- U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is recommending veteran economic development specialist Molly Lambert to President Barack Obama as his choice to be the USDA's State Director for Rural Development for Vermont and New Hampshire. The senior senator of the President's party recommends candidates for this and other federal leadership posts in his or her home state, subject to approval of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the President. L… Continue Reading
04.08.09
Leahy, Sanders And Welch Ask USDA To Fix Software Glitch That Has Held Up MILC Payments
(WEDNESDAY, April 8) - The members of the Vermont Congressional Delegation - Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) and Rep. Peter Welch (D) - are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to quickly fix a software glitch that has delayed payments to farmers under the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. The Agriculture Department began sending payments for February on April 1 but encountered technical problems. Payments have been halted while the problem is being fixed. T… Continue Reading
04.02.09
$91.5 Million In Stimulus Funds Promptly Released To Vermont Will Strengthen Schools And Ease Vermont’s Budget Shortfall
(THURSDAY, April 2, 2009) -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Congressman Peter Welch (D) Thursday said the Obama Administration's release of $91.5 million in stimulus grants to Vermont will backstop support for the state's schools and ease Vermont's budget deficit. The newly released funds, distributed by the U.S. Department of Education, are among Vermont's largest and most urgently anticipated dividends under the recently enacted economic recovery act. Seven g… Continue Reading
04.02.09
Stowe Elementary School
On April 2, 2009, Senator Leahy held his fourth online chat for the 2008-2009 school year. By using web cameras and microphones, Senator Leahy was able to see and hear the twelve students representing the student council and the students were able to see video of Senator Leahy from their classroom. The students chatted with Senator Leahy for 30 minutes and asked a range of questions, from what inspired him to become a Senator to whether he has any pets.… Continue Reading
04.02.09
Shocking Detainee Report, Flawed Legal Opinions Stress Need For Inquiry
(Thursday, April 2, 2009) - In a statement released Thursday, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) continued his push to establish a nonpartisan "Commission of Inquiry." In contrast to reports circulating on the Internet, Leahy said he is continuing to explore the proposal. "I am not interested in a panel comprised of partisans intent on advancing partisan conclusions," Leahy said. "I regret that Senate Republicans have approached this matter to date as partisans. That was not my intent or f… Continue Reading
04.02.09
Vermont National Guard Nets $3.5 M. From Stimulus Package For Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Senator Leahy On National Guard Funding For Energy Efficiency Upgrades (THURSDAY, April 2) -- The Vermont National Guard will receive $3.5 million in federal stimulus funds to renovate its buildings, which Senator Patrick Leahy says will benefit Vermont and the Guard three ways. "This is a three-fer for Vermont," Leahy said. "This work will create local jobs, offer our Guard better facilities, and give us greater budget leeway for other Guard projects down the road." He said the … Continue Reading
