U.S. Senate quizzes Deputy Attorney General Nominee David Ogden

By Kayleigh Harvey – Talk Radio News Service

Deputy Attorney General Nominee for the Justice Department, David Ogden, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to talk about his record.

Ogden gave his statement before a full committee room, with his mother, wife, children, sister, and nieces in attendance.

Mr. Ogden said: “I am grateful and humbled that President Obama and Attorney General Holder have placed such confidence in me”.

Committee Chairman, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) said: “…it is time to restore the Justice Department and to restore the American people’s confidence in Federal law enforcement. Today, the Committee continues the work of restoring the Department.”

In his opening testimony Mr. Ogden said: “I recognize that the challenges facing the Department may be as great as they ever have been. Since September 11, 2001, the Department has taken on a role at the heart of our national security during a war that has reached our homeland. It has the role as being the lead federal law enforcement agency and that role is urgent because crime across a range of fronts threatens our communities, our economy, and our personal rights plus our security. The Justice Department’s role as protector of the public first has never been more important, given unprecedented budgetary demands.”

Members of the Committee noted the numerous letters of support that had been submitted in support of his defense of his nomination, from both Republican and Democrats and from the Military.

Former Senator John Warner (R-Va) gave a testimony in support of Ogden’s nomination today, and Senator Jim Webb (D-Va) and Mark Warner (D-Va) have submitted written support to the Committee Clerk.

Ogden was asked about his opinion on a number of high profile issues during today’s hearing. The committee asked Ogden about his stance on abortion, the death penalty, interrogation, torture, classified information and pornography.

David Ogden is currently a partner with WilmerHale, LLP where he works in the firm’s Regulatory and Government Affairs and Litigation/Controversy Departments, which he joined in 2001. Additionally he is co-chair of the Government and Regulatory Litigation Practice Group, and a member of the Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation; Complex Commercial Litigation; International Arbitration; Public Policy and Strategy; and Defense, National Security and Government Contracts Practice Groups.

There are eight nominees that will have hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee for this position.