Reply #3: I wonder if this will change HRC's opinion of Chertoff? [View All]

[AlGore-08.com]

http://www.vote-smart.org/speech_detail.php?sc_id=145183&keyword=chertoff&phrase=&contain=

Statement of Senator Clinton on Her Vote on the Nomination of Michael Chertoff to be Secretary of Homeland Security

There is no position in government of greater importance to the security of our country and of my home state of New York than that of the Secretary of Homeland Security. It has been said before, but it bears repeating -- our Nation faces a new kind of challenge to our way of life. I have no doubt we will overcome this challenge, but we will do so only by maintaining and strengthening our civil society and our commitment to being a force for decency and respect for law in the world. After rigorous review of Judge Chertoff's testimony and my personal discussion with him, I have come to the conclusion that Judge Chertoff is professionally qualified to be Secretary of Homeland Security and that he understands and respects the values that the Secretary works to defend.

Judge Chertoff's stated commitment to threat-and vulnerability-based funding and his repeated expressions of support for policies that are essential to the security of New Yorkers are decisive factors in my decision to vote for his confirmation.

(snip)

Finally, I was pleased to learn that Judge Chertoff testified that his personal experiences have given him a thorough appreciation and respect for state and local perspectives. I agree wholeheartedly that we need to work in partnership with state and local governments. When it comes to securing the homeland, states and local communities must be full partners.

I remain deeply concerned about the misguided and potentially unconstitutional policies that have been drafted by the Justice Department and implemented by the Administration in its prosecution of the war on terror and in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I am grateful that the Senate devoted time to a thorough discussion of these important issues. However, these concerns have nothing to do with Judge Chertoff's personal abilities and commitment to public service, and Judge Chertoff has expressed his personal disagreement with many of these policies. Ultimately, his roots in the New Jersey-New York region, his personal experiences, and his expressions of commitment to the rule of law and programs and policies that will help protect New York and our nation have secured my vote in favor of confirmation. I call upon Judge Chertoff to work with Congress to ensure that the Administration is vigilant in its efforts to protect our liberty and keep our nation secure.

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