FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             CONTACT: Kevin Lawlor, 202/225-1880

August 27, 2007                                                                                         www.tauscher.house.gov 

Rep. Ellen Tauscher Applauds Gonzalez Resignation

Calls for replacement who will uphold the Constitution, respect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law

Washington, DC – In response to the official resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, Rep. Ellen Tauscher issued the following statement.

“The announcement that Alberto Gonzalez is stepping down is welcome news to anyone concerned about re-establishing a commitment to the Constitution.

“Attorney General Gonzalez’s incompetence has made it clear that for some time now that he is not capable of serving the American people or as the nation’s top law enforcement official.

“It is my hope that President Bush will nominate a replacement who understands the responsibility of upholding the U.S. Constitution, respecting civil rights, and ensuring the rule of law.  With issues like upholding FISA court rulings, preventing the abuse of detainees, and the arbitrary firings of U.S. attorney generals at the forefront of the national discourse, it is critical that a replacement be nominated who will restore the belief by all Americans that they have an attorney general and an administration that is devoted to protecting their rights.”

Rep. Tauscher was a co-sponsor of two bills to remove Gonzales from office.  H. Res. 417, which declares that the House of Representatives and the American people have lost confidence in Attorney General Gonzales.  It calls on the President to nominate a new candidate capable of serving as the head of the Department of Justice.  Additionally, H. Res. 589, which directs the House Judiciary Committee to initiate an impeachment investigation of the Attorney General.