Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy,
Ranking Democratic Member,
Senate Judiciary Committee
On The Pickle Report
On Stolen Judiciary Committee Computer Files
During A Joint Hatch-Leahy News Conference
March 4, 2004

“There is much in this report that is new, incriminating and revealing about the stealing of these computer files.  The evidence unequivocally confirms that some Republican staff conspired to spy on and steal from their Democratic colleagues.  This report indisputably shows that this secret surveillance was calculated, systematic and sweeping in its scope.

“We thank Sergeant At Arms Bill Pickle and his staff for their diligence and their professionalism.  I also thank Chairman Hatch for his cooperation.

“It is not difficult to conclude that this was criminal behavior.  This Senate investigation has established the basic facts.  It is the first step to achieving accountability for this wrongdoing.  But more remains to be done to answer questions about how these stolen files were used, and by whom.  Referring this report to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation is one of the next steps we must consider.

“There can no longer be any doubt now, if there ever was, that these files were stolen.  In the information age, document theft may take the form of a series of surreptitious strikes on a keyboard rather than the picking of a filing cabinet lock, but it is still theft, and it is still wrong.  All senators understand the work of their staffs to be confidential.  The trust in this confidentiality goes to the very heart of the work of the committees of the Senate and of the Senate itself.  Much like the letters that sit in the mailboxes on our porches, these files were not kept under a physical lock and key, but nor were they there for anyone to open.  Taking things that do not belong to you is wrong, and there is no excusing or whitewashing it. 

“The calculating partisans who put their own ethics and agenda above the good of the Senate have tainted the work of our committee.  Their wrongdoing cannot be tolerated, and they must be held accountable for their actions.

“As a former prosecutor, I know that we must take care to avoid compromising any future criminal prosecutions that may arise from this sordid affair.  I want the full facts of this investigation to be brought to public light.  I also want full accountability for those responsible.  We should strike the right balance between those two goals.”  

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