WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Attorney General Ashcroft today released the following statement regarding last night's unanimous Senate confirmation of Charles James as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division:

"Charles James can be counted on to perform his duties with the utmost integrity and fairness. His long record of service and past experience at the Department speak to his ability to perform his duties with unequivocal impartiality. His antitrust expertise will be of great benefit to us as we seek to protect competition in today's global economy, and I look forward to working with him."