[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S12948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NOMINATION OF JUDGE MICHAEL MUKASEY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I am pleased the Judiciary Committee 
will begin hearings this morning on the nomination of Judge Michael 
Mukasey to be the Nation's 81st Attorney General.
  Judge Mukasey has outstanding qualifications and a sterling 
reputation. Throughout four decades, he selflessly devoted his life to 
public service, culminating in his selection as Chief Judge of the 
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
  As a jurist, Judge Mukasey handled complex legal problems 
judiciously, thoughtfully, and fairly. The complex problems that face 
the Justice Department merit similar serious treatment, and I am 
confident that were he to be confirmed, Judge Mukasey will bring his 
trademark qualities to bear in analyzing them.
  Analyzing these problems requires a careful and deliberative process. 
It is a process that starts today, and it will continue after the 
Judiciary Committee's hearings are over. It is a process that does not 
lend itself to snap judgments or snap answers.
  Judge Mukasey will not abandon his trademark qualities of 
judiciousness and thoughtfulness today, nor should we want him to.
  It would be injudicious and unthoughtful for Judge Mukasey to make 
snap judgments about particular outcomes on highly complex and highly 
sensitive policies in the war on terror before he even gets into 
office. Judge Mukasey is not read into some of these programs, and is 
not, at the present time, fully familiar with others. Even if he were 
fully familiar with them, it would be imprudent for him to discuss 
their classified features in open sessions while our enemies are 
watching.
  The Senate Judiciary Committee should be mindful of the complex 
problems that Judge Mukasey is being called on to solve, as well as the 
constraints under which he is operating. And it should treat him 
fairly. If he is treated fairly, I am confident the committee will 
report him to the floor for a prompt up-or-down vote.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is recognized.

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