Reaction
Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
To The President’s Intention To Nominate
White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales
As Attorney General
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
“I like and respect Judge Gonzales and look
forward to our committee’s consideration of his nomination.
“The Justice Department in the first Bush
term was the least accountable Justice Department in my lifetime.
Meaningful oversight and accountability were thwarted for years. We will
be looking to see if Judge Gonzales intends to change that.
“These confirmation hearings will be a rare
opportunity for the Senate and the public to finally get some answers on
several issues for which the Administration has resisted accountability,
including its use of the PATRIOT Act, the lack of cooperation with Congress
on oversight, and the policies that have been rejected by the courts on the
treatment of detainees. This also may be the only remaining forum in which
to examine more fully the steps that were taken to weaken
