| Attorney General Nominee John Ashcroft Confirmation
John Ashcroft of Missouri was confirmed as Attorney General on February 1, 2001 by a vote of 58 to 42 (www.senate.gov/legislative/vote1071/vote_00008.html). After hearing of his confirmation Ashcroft stated that he was " grateful to the President and the United States Senate for the opportunity to serve the American people as Attorney General. I am committed to preserving the special history of the Department of Justice by actively confronting injustice. Let me send a clear message today, I will confront injustice by leading a professional Justice Department that is free from politics; that is uncompromisingly fair; a Department defined by integrity and dedicated to upholding the rule of law. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law guaranteeing rights for the advancement of all Americans. As a strong advocate of affirmative action, reproductive health and rights, and non-discrimination on the basis of race or sexual orientation, NASW will be vigilant in ensuring that Attorney General Ashcroft keeps his word to preserve all Americans civil liberties. |
January 31, 2001
URGENT ALERT FROM NASW GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICE
Oppose the confirmation of United States Attorney – Designate, former Senator John Ashcroft
Reason: Call your individual Senators at the Capitol Switchboard (202/224-3121) urging them to oppose confirmation of former Senator John Ashcroft
Context: On January 23, 2001, Senate Democrats presiding over the Judiciary Committee, forced a one week delay regarding the vote pertaining to Attorney General-Designate John Ashcroft. The Attorney General is the nation’s primary law enforcement official with responsibility for enforcing federal laws on behalf of all persons under the constitution, and for ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all. Eleven Senate Democrats have publicly stated their opposition. On January 30, 2001, by a 10-8 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Attorney General – Designate John Ashcroft. NASW expects a vote from the full Senate by February 2, 2001 or the week of February 5, 2001. NASW believes that John Ashcroft, if confirmed, will retard decades of civil rights progress experienced by minorities and women.
The Ashcroft Record on critical NASW ISSUES: Affirmative Action. Former Senator Ashcroft opposes affirmative action, as manifested by his vote to eliminate the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, which requires the inclusion of women and ethnic minorities in federal transportation contracts.
NASW supports affirmative action.
Reproductive Health Care. Former Senator Ashcroft has cosponsored legislation to: 1) Amend the constitution to prohibit abortion, even in cases of rape or incest and to outlaw several of the most common methods of contraception (SJRES49, June 5, 1998) and 2) Declare that life begins at fertilization, which would prohibit abortion and some of the most common methods of contraception, except in cases of life endangerment of the woman (Human Life Act of 1998, S.2135).
NASW supports civil rights for pregnant woman.
Education of Students with Disabilities. Former Senator Ashcroft has introduced legislation that would empower public schools to expel disruptive students without having to comply with due process protections in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
NASW supports IDEA and its provision that ensures the right of students with disabilities to a "free, appropriate public education."
What can Social Workers do: NASW supports nondiscrimination, reproductive rights and policies that advance human welfare, including promoting equitable and humane treatment of all segments of society. Social workers believe America is founded upon the steadfast principles of equity, equality and equal protection of the law. To this end, former Senator Ashcroft’s record is inconsistent with the intrinsic values of our profession. Call your respective U.S. Senators at the Capitol Switchboard (202/224-3121) strongly urging them to oppose confirmation of Mr. Ashcroft.
Contact: Lawrence Moore, III, at 202/336-8289.