[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 29 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[Page 1453]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.