ACLU Urges Oversight of Gonzales’s Record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: media@dcaclu.org

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Congress Must Investigate Abuses Despite AG Departure GONZALES vs. CIVIL LIBERTIES

ACLU REPORTS
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> 2005 Report

Washington, DC – In the wake of a Congressional no-confidence vote on Attorney General Gonzales, the American Civil Liberties Union once again urged a thorough investigation into the Department of Justice. The resolution, introduced in the Senate, states that Gonzales “no longer holds the confidence of the Senate or American people.”

“This resolution once again proves that Alberto Gonzales and his policies have ill-served the American people,” said Anthony D. Romero, ACLU Executive Director. “This measure is the result of countless unanswered questions under oath and a tenure rife with civil liberties violations. From condoning torture to politicizing the Justice Department, Gonzales has shown a consistent and reckless disregard for individual rights and the Constitution. His policies and actions must be thoroughly investigated by Congress.”

Though the ACLU does not endorse or oppose political appointees, the organization has expressed grave misgivings about Gonzales that stretch back to his days as White House Counsel. Unfortunately, his term as America’s top law enforcement official did nothing to improve his record. He has failed to investigate and prosecute a litany of criminal behavior that has taken place on his watch such as extraordinary rendition and the National Security Agency’s warrantless wiretapping program. In fact, Gonzales’ role in domestic spying may soon become even clearer as both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees are currently moving towards issuing subpoenas as part of their investigations into the program.

“Though this vote is symbolic, it mirrors this attorney general’s adherence to his oath to uphold the Constitution which has also been largely symbolic,” said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. “This vote is the culmination of the legislative branch’s frustration with an attorney general who has little to no respect for the rule of law. We hope this historic vote resonates within the halls of the Department of Justice and that true Congressional oversight will follow.”

To read the ACLU’s report on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, go to www.aclu.org/gonzales