In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Senators focused on her career, accomplishments, and academic background. Some members expressed concern at her lack of experience in the judiciary and practicing law, her decision to ban military recruiters from Harvard University during her tenure as dean of the Law School because of the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and her political views. 
Senators in their statements also praised the life and career of Senator Robert Byrd, who died earlier that morning. They also offered condolences to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, whose husband also passed away that day.
Part 1 of the hearing includes opening statements by Senators Leahy, Sessions, Kohl, Hatch, Feinstein, Grassley, Feingold, Kyl, Specter, Graham, Schumer, Cornyn, Durbin, Coburn, and Cardin. Opening statements continue on subsequent program parts. See 294263-3 to view the remainder of opening statements and the introduction and opening statement of the nominee.