Confirmation hearings begin for Supreme Court nominee Sotomayor in Washington

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT, gives his opening statement during the first confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 13, 2009. On the dais with him is Ranking Member Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL. (UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch)