Executive Session

EXECUTIVE SESSION -- (Senate - February 17, 2006)

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Mr. CORNYN . Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of Carol Dinkins of Houston, TX, to be the chair of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

Congress recently created this important position based on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is designed to monitor and uphold our nation's commitment to defend civil liberties. Part of the board's responsibilities will be to provide honest, responsible, and fair review of the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and executive branch policies--specifically with respect to our Federal Government's commitment to protect America from the ongoing threat of terrorism.

The board will play an important role in ensuring that privacy and civil liberty concerns are appropriately considered. Such oversight is important because, as a Nation, we proudly revere our civil liberties. We must remain committed to vigorously defend them, in order to ensure that we remain a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world.

Congress strives to strike a careful and wise balance between national security and civil liberties. While this is not always easy, I believe we do so with the best interests of our Nation in mind--and do so in an honest and good faith manner.

Ms. Dinkins is the right person for this important position, as she has proven throughout her distinguished career to share these values. Her vast public service and private-sector experience will allow Carol Dinkins to offer unique perspectives to the privacy board. As Deputy Attorney General under President Reagan--the second-highest ranking position in the Department of Justice--Ms. Dinkins was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Justice Department's more than 60,000 employees. Moreover, she played a significant role in the development of the Reagan administration's criminal justice and anti-terrorism policies.

Ms. Dinkins has also been a long-time partner in the distinguished Texas law firm of Vinson & Elkins. She has devoted a substantial amount of her time to a variety of public service initiatives, including service on the American Bar Association, and has also donated significant time to activities designed to promote conservation and protect the environment.

I am proud to support Carol Dinkins for this position and am confident that she will serve the Nation with honor and distinction.

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