ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT RESUMES DUTIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Attorney General John Ashcroft returned to the Department of Justice and resumed his duties as Attorney General.

Attorney General Ashcroft was hospitalized at The George Washington University Hospital on March 4 with a severe case of Gallstone Pancreatitis. His gallbladder was removed on March 9. He was released from the hospital on March 14 and has been recuperating.

“I thank my surgeon, Dr. Bruce Abell, and the doctors, nurses and staff at The George Washington University Hospital for the first-rate care they provided me," Attorney General Ashcroft said.

“Janet and I thank everyone for the prayers and expressions of support for my family and me over the past few weeks. They were very much appreciated.

“I also thank Deputy Attorney General James Comey for his leadership during my recuperation. As I begin to shoulder the responsibility of leading the Department of Justice, I am inspired by the opportunity to work for freedom and the rule of law.”

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