Hoyer, Clarke, House Democrats Send Letter to Senate Majority Leader McConnell Urging Loretta Lynch Confirmation Vote
Press Release
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined with Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) today to lead a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, urging him to stop delaying the confirmation of Loretta Lynch to serve as our next Attorney General and schedule a vote. The letter was signed by 59 House Democrats, including all Democratic Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and New York Congressional Delegation:
"There is no reason why the Senate cannot vote immediately on the confirmation of Loretta Lynch to be our nation's next Attorney General," said Whip Hoyer. "She is eminently qualified, having served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and would make history as the first African-American woman leading the Justice Department. I am proud to stand with Rep. Clarke and so many other concerned House Democrats to urge Senate Majority Leader McConnell to stop delaying and schedule a vote on her confirmation."
"In a career defined by her commitment to justice and her dedication to the full and fair application of the law, the Honorable Loretta Lynch has earned the acclaim of Democrats and Republicans for her professionalism, impartiality, and leadership," Rep. Clarke said. "She successfully prosecuted the police officers who brutally attacked Abner Louima and has investigated corruption from the Town of Brookhaven, New York, to the Borough of Brooklyn. No doubt exists as to her qualifications to become Attorney General of the United States. In her hearings with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which supported her nomination, not single a single person questioned -- or possibly could have questioned -- her ability to fulfill the duties of the position with high distinction. Indeed, several Republicans described her as not only qualified, but uniquely qualified to handle such issues as the threat of terrorism and corruption in government. Yet Republican leaders in the Senate have refused to allow a vote on her nomination to become Attorney General, more than four months after she was nominated by President Obama, already twice the amount of time required to confirm previous nominees to the position. The delay has become unacceptable. We cannot accept the devaluation of this distinguished woman or her commitment to the public interest."
Source