Pelosi: 'Next Attorney General Must Restore Public Trust That Has Been Eroded by Bush Administration'

September 17, 2007

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on President Bush's nomination of retired federal Judge Michael B. Mukasey for U.S. Attorney General:

'The President today nominated a former federal judge with a distinguished career to be the next attorney general.

'An Attorney General must be independent from political influence and have deep respect for the Constitution of the United States. The next Attorney General must restore the public trust that has been seriously eroded by the subversion of federal law enforcement for partisan purposes and by the Bush Administration's persistent disregard of constitutional rights.

'Confirmation hearings will provide an opportunity for the nominee to answer tough questions on checks and balances and the role of Congress in its oversight and legislative responsibilities, including its ongoing review of the U.S. attorney scandal. Confirmation hearings will also provide vital information on Judge Mukasey's approach to the new, flawed FISA law and our civil liberties.'