WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attorney General Janet Reno issued the following statement today after the Senate voted to confirm the appointments of Eric H. Holder, Jr. as Deputy Attorney General and Joel I. Klein as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division:

"I am so pleased that the Senate has voted to confirm two such outstanding nominees to the Justice Department's team. They are both distinguished public servants. This is a good day for the American people, for law enforcement, and for the cause of justice.

"Eric Holder is one of the nation's most respected and qualified law enforcement officials. Having served as a United States Attorney, an associate judge on the D.C. Superior Court and as an attorney in the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section, Eric has a wealth of experience on which he can draw. Eric will continue leading the fight to safeguard our streets and neighborhoods.

"Joel Klein has and will continue to make the right decisions on issues involving competition. In this global economy, it is so important for the Antitrust Division to be vigilant in looking out for the interests of American consumers and businesses--and Joel will continue to be their champion."

Holder was nominated by President Clinton to be Deputy Attorney General on April 14, 1997. Since October 1993, he has served as United States Attorney in Washington, D.C. As Deputy Attorney General, Holder will be responsible for advising and assisting the Attorney General in formulating and implementing Department policies. He will also oversee the management functions of the Department.

Klein was nominated by the President to be Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust on March 3, 1997. Before becoming Acting Assistant Attorney General in October 1996, Klein was the Division's Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General. The Antitrust Division is responsible for promoting and protecting the operation of a free market system to ensure that consumers and businesses are protected against anticompetitive behavior.

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