Washington, DC – The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) expresses concern over the seemingly political nature of former U.S. Attorney Carol Lam’s firing, and seeks answers from the Department of Justice through a letter signed by Representatives Mike Honda and Bobby Scott. The following CAPAC Members said:

Rep. Honda (CA-15): "While it is the Bush Administration’s prerogative to hire and fire federal appointees, I am concerned about the apparent political nature of the firing of former U.S. Attorney Carol Lam," said Rep. Michael Honda (CA-15), Chair of CAPAC. "Ms. Lam has served the American people well by successfully leading the corruption prosecution of former Congressman Randall 'Duke' Cunningham, a prominent San Diego Republican. Given the political corruption that we have witnessed in recent years, talented attorneys who are combating such misuses of power should be rewarded and not punished. Ms. Lam is only the second Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) female to serve as a U.S. Attorney. A decrease in diversity among U.S. Attorneys is an unfortunate consequence of her firing, which highlights the need for greater AAPI representation among our highest-ranked government attorneys."

Rep. Scott (VA-03): "Ms. Lam was successful in investigating and prosecuting corruption, and public reports indicate that her performance was superior," said Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Chair of CAPAC’s Civil Rights Task Force. "Her firing was only one of many that have caused congressional inquiries.  To ensure confidence in our criminal justice system, it is crucial that the hiring and firing of our top federal prosecutors be conducted not only with integrity, but also with the appearance of integrity."