Alliance for Justice Commends Judiciary Committee Vote on Holder

January 28, 2009, Washington, DC—Alliance for Justice commends the Senate Judiciary Committee for its historic vote to recommend Eric Holder to the full Senate for confirmation. 

"This is a critical time for the Department of Justice, and a swift confirmation of Eric Holder will ensure that the vital work of restoring the department can begin immediately," said Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice.  "Mr. Holder's record and testimony demonstrate his independence, his fairness, his tough-mindedness and, most importantly, his ability to serve the nation well as the 82nd attorney general of the United States," Aron continued.

"However, the two senators who voted against Eric Holder put political grandstanding ahead of doing the people's business," Aron declared.  "Interestingly, these same senators were more than willing to rubberstamp Alberto Gonzales, the man who turned the Department of Justice into a puppet for the Bush administration's political agenda," noted Aron. 

Senator Cornyn's and Coburn's votes on Eric Holder contrast sharply with the words they offered in defense of the previous administration's nominees, words that decried partisanship and urged votes based on deference to the president:

"[O]ur Senate's confirmation process is unnecessarily partisan, even cruel to some who selflessly offer themselves for public service." Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), defending the nomination of Alberto Gonzales in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, January, 6, 2005.

"Here is a good man who has demonstrated tremendous ability through his life. Everyone says he is well qualified. Everyone knows he will make a great Attorney General. The fact is, politics is getting in the way of his confirmation." Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), urging the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales on the Senate floor, February 1, 2005.

"The full Senate should follow the example of their fair-minded colleagues on the Judiciary Committee who supported Eric Holder. Now is the time to stand up for the rule of law, the future of the Justice Department and the interest of the American people by confirming Eric Holder to be the next attorney general of the United States," concluded Aron.

» To read AFJ's post-hearing report on Eric Holder, click here.