“If you look at the history of the use of that technique used by the Khmer Rouge, used in the inquisition, used by the Japanese and prosecuted by us as war crimes, we prosecuted our own soldiers in Vietnam, I agree with you, Mr. Chairman, waterboarding is torture.”

Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy asked would other counties have the authority to torture captured U.S. citizens if they deemed it a national security threat? Holder replied:

“No, they would not.” “It would violate the international obligations that I think all civilized nations have agreed to, the Geneva Conventions.”

Patrick Leahy:

Could the president, if need be, use his authority as commander in chief to override acts that prohibit illegal interrogation practices or torture?

Holder:

“No one is above the law,” “The president has a constitutional obligation to faithfully executive the laws of the United States. There are obligations that we have as a result of treaties we have signed and obligations to the Constitution.”

Republican, Arlen Specter asked Holder about the Rich pardon. Holder said:

“I have accepted the responsibility of making those mistakes.”"I’ve never tried to hide or blame anyone else. I have said, given the opportunity to do something different, I certainly would.”