U.S. SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY

Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy
(D-Vt., Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Operations Subcommittee)
To The Resignation Of Secretary Of State Colin Powell
Monday, November 15, 2004

“There were many times that he was a crucial bridge to our allies when they felt his was the only constructive voice in an increasingly isolationist Administration. 

“Our alliances and our credibility are crucial elements of our working capital in advancing America’s interests in the world, and they have been eroded over the last four years.  The President should have heeded Secretary Powell’s counsel more often than he did.  Now that he is leaving, and now that the election is past, I hope the President will nominate someone who can help repair the damage to these alliances that we need for success in the war on terrorism and in advancing all of our other interests.

“I have known and liked and respected Secretary Powell since his days at the Pentagon and during his tenure as Secretary of State.  Marcelle and I wish him and Alma all the best in their next endeavors.” 

# # # # #