Waterboarding

November 8, 2007 -- This debate has boiled down to a discussion of principles that are as vital to American ideals and to the American soul as is the fleeting issue of who will act as the Attorney General for the next 14 months. During the Judiciary Committee’s consideration of this nomination earlier this week, Senators Kennedy, Kohl, Feingold, Durbin, Cardin, Whitehouse and I made clear the fallacy that would disregard settled law and discredit America’s role in the struggle for liberty and human dignity.    » read more »

November 9, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced on the Senate floor his opposition to the nomination of Attorney General nominee Judge Michael Mukasey. Among other reasons, Harkin was most disappointed with Mukasey’s refusal to denounce torturous practices such as waterboarding and electric shocks, and his failure to recommend closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility – even though Republican officials like former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have agreed it should be shut down.    » read more »

November 9, 2007 -- (Washington, DC) - Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) sent a letter to newly confirmed Attorney General Michael Mukasey restating their October 4 request to receive copies of Justice Department "secret" legal opinions authorizing the use of torture on terror suspects.    » read more »

November 8, 2007 -- Tonight the Senate will vote on the nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey to be Attorney General. His nomination comes at a critical time. At this moment in history, America is faced with serious challenges both at home and abroad. We are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan and are engaged in a long-term struggle against al Qa’ida and other extremists.    » read more »

Biden to Oppose Mukasey Nomination; Reiterates Call on Colleagues to Support his Legislation Banning Waterboarding and Other Forms of Torture

October 30, 2007 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today after Judge Michael Mukasey responded to a request for clarification regarding his evasive testimony on waterboarding:    » read more »