Mukasey confirmed and sworn in as Attorney General for US
Saturday, November 10, 2007
On Friday, Michael Mukasey was confirmed by the United States Senate as the next Attorney General, succeeding Alberto Gonzales. Mukasey took the oath of office with his family attending in a private ceremony that was administered by Assistant Attorney General Lee Lofthus.
The nomination of Mukasey, by President George W. Bush, hit a rough spot over the issue of interrogations, in particular about waterboarding. "This man has been a judge for 18 years,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein, who along with Senator Chuck Schumer provided the essential votes to pass Mukasey through the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Maybe he likes to consider the facts before he makes a decision."
"I am not going to aid and abet the confirmation contortions of this administration," said Senator Patrick Leahy, who voted against Mukasey, in both the Committee and the Senate votes.
In a statement released by the White House, President Bush said: "I thank the Senate for its bipartisan vote confirming Judge Michael Mukasey as the Nation's 81st Attorney General. Judge Mukasey is a man of strong character and integrity, with exceptional legal judgment."
Related news
[edit]- "Mukasey nomination as attorney general moves to US Senate" — Wikinews, November 6, 2007
- "US President Bush nominates Michael B. Mukasey as Attorney General" — Wikinews, September 17, 2007
Sources
[edit]- Carl Hulse. "Mukasey Sworn In as Attorney General" — The New York Times, November 9, 2007
- James Rowley. "Mukasey Confirmed as Bush's Third Attorney General" — Bloomberg L.P., November 9, 2007
- Press Release: "President Bush Pleased by Senate Confirmation of Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General" — White House, November 9, 2007