FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1998

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888

STATEMENT OF THE JUSTICE AND TREASURY DEPARTMENTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - While we are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not grant certiorari, it is important to remember, as Justice Ginsburg emphasized in her dissent, that the Court's ruling "does not in any sense constitute a ruling on the merits of the issue presented." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed that "ensuring the physical safety of the President is a public good of the utmost importance."

As the Court of Appeals suggested, we look forward to working with Congress on legislation next year regarding the protective function privilege.

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