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Dubin Statement on Alberto R. Gonzalez Nomination Hearing for U.S. Attorney General

Date: Jan. 6, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Executive Branch


DURBIN STATEMENT ON ALBERTO R. GONZALEZ NOMINATION HEARING FOR U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL

Thursday, January 6, 2005

[Washington, D.C.] - Assistant Democratic Leader U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin today submitted for the record the attached statement on the nomination of Alberto R. Gonzalez for U.S. Attorney General. Durbin has raised questions over the critical decisions on torture made at the highest levels of government, and the abuses at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo.

Durbin said in his statement, "Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Alberto Gonzales. He is an impressive individual with an inspiring personal story. I do not question his background or dedication. However, I do have concerns, particularly regarding his role as the architect of the Bush Administration's policies on detention and treatment of prisoners since 9/11. His record on this issue raises serious questions of judgment and commitment to the rule of law.

"In our meeting, Mr. Gonzales told me repeatedly there was no connection between the 'torture memos' drafted by senior officials of this Administration and the prison abuses that took place in either Guantanamo or Iraq.

"I respectfully disagree. Blaming Abu Ghraib completely on renegade soldiers ignores critical decisions on torture policies made at the highest levels of our government - decisions that Mr. Gonzales played a major role in making. If we are going to hold those at the lowest levels accountable, it is only fair to hold those at the highest levels accountable."

Durbin continued, "There is no room for legal hair-splitting when it comes to the humane treatment of detainees - not in a nation founded on the rule of law and respect for human rights. The tortured debate about torture, conducted at the highest levels of our government, sent a signal to our commanders and troops that the law of war is an obstacle to be overcome, not a bright line that cannot be crossed."

http://durbin.senate.gov/releases.cfm

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