01.15.19

‘Unwavering Commitment To The Rule Of Law’

William Barr Is ‘Highly Respected And Admired’ By Justice Department Alumni, Carries A ‘Reputation For Integrity And High Ethical Standards’ And Is ‘Uniquely Qualified’ To Be Attorney General Again

 

Former AGs, DAGs, US Attorneys, And Justice Department Employees: Barr ‘Remains Highly Respected And Admired By The Career Prosecutors, Investigators And Staff Of The Department He Oversaw’

“We former officials and employees of various administrations and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office write to express our strong and enthusiastic support for the nomination of William P. Barr to serve once again as Attorney General of the United States. Bill is that rare combination of intellect and principle who has served our country and the Department of Justice with great distinction and then excelled as a senior executive in the private sector…. It is his patriotism and respect for the institution that bring Bill Barr back before you. We urge you in the strongest manner possible to confirm him to the job he is uniquely qualified to perform again.” (120 Former Justice Department And Law Enforcement Officials, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/09/2019)

  • “Bill’s career reveals a character of unwavering commitment to the rule of law without regard to favor or politics. Instructive in this regard are his pivotal roles in such matters as the successful prosecutions of those responsible for the Savings and Loans Crisis and his oversight of the successful clean-up of that industry; working with then-Assistant Attorney General Robert Mueller III on the investigation of the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie bombing, the prosecution of Manuel Noriega and the prosecution of the police officers in the Rodney King matter; enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act …” (120 Former Justice Department And Law Enforcement Officials, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/09/2019)
  • “Bill was and remains highly respected and admired by the career prosecutors, investigators and staff of the Department he oversaw and its various components, including the FBI and DEA…. We can attest that Bill’s style was to consult widely, hear from those closest to a matter, and consider others' views with an open mind. Bill was always considerate and respectful of those with whom he worked throughout the Justice Department, no matter how high- or low-ranking.” (120 Former Justice Department And Law Enforcement Officials, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/09/2019)

Letter signed by 120 former Justice Department and law enforcement officials including:

  • Former Attorneys General Michael Mukasey, Alberto Gonzales, and John Ashcroft
  • Former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff
  • Former Obama administration Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole
  • Former Deputy Attorneys General George J. Terwilliger, Larry D. Thompson, Paul J. McNulty, Mark Filip, and Edward C. Schmults
  • Former FBI Directors Louis J. Freeh and William H. Webster
  • Two former Deputy FBI Directors
  • Ten former Associate and Assistant Attorneys General
  • Over 70 former U.S. Attorneys

(120 Former Justice Department And Law Enforcement Officials, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/09/2019)

 

Law Enforcement Associations: Barr Is ‘Uniquely Qualified,’ ‘Thoughtful,’ Has A ‘Reputation For Integrity And High Ethical Standards’ And ‘A Long History Of Public Service And Dedication To The Rule Of Law’

FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION National President Nathan R. Catura: “I am writing you today as President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) to endorse William Pelham Barr to be confirmed as the next Attorney General of the United States. FLEOA represents more than 27,000 federal agents and officers in 65 federal agencies. Many of our members are in the Department of Justice. In addition, most of our members are in frequent contact with Department of Justice attorneys for advice and prosecution of defendants. It is a rare occasion that a nominee for this extremely important position, both for law enforcement and for this country, has previously been confirmed as the Attorney General. As you know, William Barr distinguished himself as the Assistant Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Attorney General in the George H.W. Bush administration.” (Nathan R. Catura, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President, Letter to Sen. Graham, 1/03/2019)

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE National President Chuck Canterbury: “President Trump could not have selected a finer nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Justice. Not only has Mr. Barr served as U.S. Attorney General in the Administration of George H.W. Bush, he has a long history of public service and dedication to the rule of law.” (Chuck Canterbury, Fraternal Order of Police National President, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/04/2019)

MAJOR CITIES CHIEFS ASSOCIATION President Art Acevedo: “On behalf of the Major Chiefs Association, representing the largest metropolitan regions of our Nation, we are writing to support a swift confirmation for William Barr to be the next Attorney General of the United States. Mr. Barr brings to the Department of Justice a distinguished record of service to our Nation and our justice system. His exemplary accomplishments as a prosecutor represent a broad range of cases that have repeatedly demonstrated his steadfast commitment to public safety…. His reputation for integrity and high ethical standards bodes well for the times ahead, and our interview with Mr. Barr confirmed that he will be a strong and independent Attorney General.” (Chief Art Acevedo, Major Chiefs Association President, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/11/2019)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE President Paul M. Cell: “Mr. Barr’s prior service as U.S. Attorney General in the Administration of George H.W. Bush, clearly demonstrated that he has the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively lead the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, throughout Mr. Barr’s long and successful career in public service he has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the rule of law and that he has a unique understanding of the challenges and the complexities law enforcement agencies face daily in safeguarding the citizens they were sworn to protect…. The IACP urges the Judiciary Committee and the members of the United States Senate to confirm Mr. Barr’s nomination in a timely fashion.” (Paul M. Cell, International Association of Chiefs of Police President, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/14/2019)

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF POLICE ASSOCIATIONS International President Sam A. Cabral: “On behalf of the more than 100,000 members of the International Union of Police Associations, AFl-CIO, I am proud to offer our support of Mr. William P. Barr as this nation’s next Attorney General. Mr. Barr served honorably in this position from 1991-1993… [W]e wholeheartedly support Mr. Barr’s nomination and look forward to his confirmation.” (Sam A. Cabral, International Union of Police Associations International President, Letter to Sens. Grassley and Feinstein, 1/02/2019)

MAJOR COUNTY SHERIFFS OF AMERICA: “On behalf of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) we write to express our support for the nomination of William Barr as the next Attorney General of the United States. His service and knowledgeable experience within the field of criminal justice makes him a highly qualified candidate…. General Barr has been a strong advocate for law enforcement and has a successful track record from his tenure as the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and head of the Office of Legal Counsel…. General Barr is known for his thoughtful approach and we are confident he will be an honest broker and reliable partner for local law enforcement.” (Sheriff Grady Judd, President, and Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, Vice President – Government Affairs, Major County Sheriffs of America, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/10/2019)

ASSOCIATION OF STATE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES President Mark Keel: “I write on behalf of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) in support of the President’s nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General of the United States.  ASCIA is a professional association consisting of the senior executives of 48 statewide criminal investigative agencies in the United States, including independent bureaus within states and state police agencies with both criminal and other enforcement responsibilities. General Barr would come to the job with unparalleled experience and knowledge of the role of Attorney General.  Having previously served at the helm of the Justice Department, he is uniquely qualified to manage the challenges the department faces.” (Mark Keel, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies President, Letter to Sens. Graham and Feinstein, 1/10/2019)

 

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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Related Issues: Nominations, Law Enforcement