    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 21, 1999]
    [Page 1291]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Inaction on the Nomination for Assistant Attorney
    General, Civil Rights Division
    July 21, 1999

        I strongly support the efforts of the National Council of Asian
    Pacific Americans to call attention to the failure of the Senate to
    confirm Bill Lann Lee as Assistant Attorney
    General for Civil Rights.
        I resubmitted Mr. Lee's nomination to the
    Senate more than 4 months ago, yet the Senate Judiciary Committee has
    not considered his nomination. Bill Lee has an excellent record as
    Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Under
    his leadership, the Justice Department has enforced our civil rights
    laws justly and fairly. The Department is combating hate crimes,
    ensuring fair housing, fighting illegal discrimination against persons
    with disabilities, protecting workers from exploitation, and taking
    other strong actions to protect people's rights.
        Some of Mr. Lee's opponents have decided
    to use his nomination as a means of expressing their disagreement with
    the civil rights laws themselves. This is wrong. He deserves to be
    considered based on his record and abilities, not blocked because some
    Senators disagree with the law of the land. To refuse to allow the
    Senate to vote on his nomination does a disservice to the confirmation
    process, to this outstanding nominee, and to the American people.