In response to the request of the speaker of the House, I have directed the House Judiciary Committee staff to begin a preliminary inquiry into the tactics employed in the seizure of Elian Gonzalez by federal authorities,

We requested that the committee defer its request for a staff interview at least until after the August recess or until such time as we were better informed. We never received a response to this letter.

Despite repeated efforts by myself and staff, the White House did not address my request,

I've been a member of the Judiciary Committee for 20 years, and chairman for 12 years. This is the first time that we've ever had a letter or any type of direct report from a member of the Supreme Court regarding misconduct taking place at the Supreme Court. It's extraordinary.

Many of the earmark request forms are actually filled out by lobbyists and then just turned in by the member's staff to the appropriations committee.

As the record shows, I have supported every one of President Bush's nominees in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. I have never and would never apply any litmus test on the abortion issue and, as the record shows, I have voted to confirm Chief Justice (William) Rehnquist, Justice (Sandra Day) O'Connor, and Justice (Anthony) Kennedy and led the fight to confirm Justice (Clarence) Thomas.