Alberto Gonzales Confirmed by Senate
ALBERTO GONZALES CONFIRMED BY SENATE
Texan will be nation's first Hispanic Attorney General
Thursday, February 3, 2005
WASHINGTON-The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Judge Alberto Gonzales to serve as Attorney General of the United States. Gonzales, of Humble, Texas, will be the nation's first Hispanic to lead the Justice Department. The nomination was agreed to by a vote of 60 to 36. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), chairman of the Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship subcommittee, said the Senate confirmation was a repudiation of 'unjustified attacks' and a victory for national and homeland security.
"Despite the angry rhetoric and unjustified attacks by Democrat leadership, I'm delighted that Alberto Gonzales has been confirmed as our nation's top law enforcement officer," Cornyn said. "I'm confident he'll do an outstanding job in this new post and his example will be an inspiration, not just for the Hispanic community, but for all Americans."
Judge Gonzales appeared before the Judiciary Committee on January 6, and was introduced by Sen. Cornyn. He was confirmed by the committee by a vote of 10-8 on January 26.
Prior to his confirmation, Gonzales served as White House Counsel. His previous service includes Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Secretary of State, General Counsel to then-Governor Bush, and the Governor's lead liaison on Mexico and border issues. Gonzales was previously a partner with the prestigious international law firm of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas.
"I remain concerned, however, that with the partisan rhetoric against this good man and the caricature created of him, we now have a continuation of the bitter politics many of us hoped had ended on November 2," Cornyn said. "The mischaracterizations and vitriol launched against this outstanding nominee not only fail to bring honor to this institution, but do a real disservice to the honorable men and women who agree to serve in important positions such as Secretary of State and Attorney General. That must end."
Cornyn continued: "This obstructionist behavior does not bode well for the much-anticipated beginning of a fresh start on the President's judicial nominees. Though I would have thought that the results of the last two elections would have tempered the obstructionist behavior of the Democrat leadership, sadly, they have not."
Sen. Cornyn served previously as Texas Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice.
http://cornyn.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=231529