Mukasey Says 'protecting Civil Liberties ... A Part Of Protecting National Security'

In his opening statement, Mukasey vowed to protect Americans' civil liberties while stil protecting the nation.

According to Mukasey, "protecting civil liberties, and the people's confidence that that those liberties are protected, is a part of protecting national security, just as is the gathering of intelligence to defend us from those who believe it is their duty to make war on us. We have to succeed at both."

Mukasey also said the "governing standard" for Justice Department employees, "is what the law and the Constitution permit and require."

"Legal decisions and the progress of cases are decided by facts and law, not by interests and motives," Mukasey added.