    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [August 27, 2007]
    [Pages 1109-1110]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Resignation of Attorney General Alberto R.
    Gonzales in Waco, Texas
    August 27, 2007

        This morning Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced that he
    will leave the Department of Justice after 2\1/2\ years of service to
    the Department. Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency, and
    principle. And I have reluctantly accepted his resignation, with great
    appreciation for the service that he has provided for our country.
        As Attorney General and before that as White House Counsel, Al
    Gonzales has played a critical role in shaping our policies in the war
    on terror and has worked tirelessly to make this country safer. The
    PATRIOT Act, the Military Commissions Act, and other important laws bear
    his imprint. Under his leadership, the Justice Department has made a
    priority of protecting children from Internet predators and made
    enforcement of civil rights laws a top priority. He aggressively and
    successfully pursued public corruption and effectively combated gang
    violence.
        As Attorney General, he played an important role in helping to
    confirm two fine jurists in Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. He did an outstanding job as White House Counsel,
    identifying and recommending the best nominees to fill critically
    important Federal court vacancies.
        Alberto Gonzales's tenure as Attorney General and White House
    Counsel is only part of a long history of distinguished public service
    that began as a young man when, after high school, he enlisted in the
    United States Air Force. When I became Governor of Texas in 1995, I
    recruited him from one of Texas's most prestigious law firms to be my
    general counsel. He went on to become Texas's 100th secretary of state
    and to serve on our State's supreme court. In the long course of our
    work together, this trusted adviser became a close friend.
        These various positions have required sacrifice from Al, his wife
    Becky, their sons Jared, Graham, and
    Gabriel. And I thank them for their service
    to the country.
        After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful
    distraction at the Justice Department, Judge Gonzales decided to resign
    his position, and I accept his decision. It's sad that we live in a time
    when a talented and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeded
    from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the
    mud for political reasons.
        I've asked Solicitor General Paul Clement to serve as Acting Attorney General upon Alberto
    Gonzales's departure and until a nominee has been confirmed by the
    Senate. He's agreed to do so. Paul is one of the finest lawyers in
    America. As Solicitor General, Paul has developed a reputation for
    excellence and fairness and earned the respect and confidence of the
    entire Justice Department.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:50 a.m. at the Texas State Technical
    College Airport. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks.

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