Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, called Lay's last-minute decision a major mistake.

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" And in the same interview, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Diane Feinstein said "the White House has to make a decision in this.

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Leaders of the Senate Ethics Committee noted tersely that Ensign made the proper decision in turning in a letter of resignation amid their unfinished two-year probe of his conduct.

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Arlen Specter, R-Pennsylvania, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he doesn't want the decision to be made by a small group of senators.

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Murray, who leads the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, called Panetta's decision a "historic step for equality" that recognizes the role women play in the military.

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John Warner, who heads the Senate Rules Committee, sent Attorney General Janet Reno a letter asking for six FBI agents, while questioning her decision to end Justice's participation.

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