Orrin Hatch: “on August 31, 1995, some 1019 days ago, the head of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney…”

“on August 31, 1995, some 1019 days ago, the head of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Jo Ann Harris, resigned. Since that time, the Department of Justice has lacked a confirmed leader for this critical post. Indeed, the Acting Assistant Attorney General has had to recuse himself from one of the most important matters to come before the Department: the Clinton Administration's fund-raising abuses. The failure of the Clinton Administration to fill this crucial position has had, in my mind, a serious impact both on the performance of the Criminal Division and the credibility of its decisions. Over two and a half years later, I am glad to support the nomination of James K. Robinson to be Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. This nomination was reported out of the Judiciary Committee in April by a unanimous vote, and I believe should receive the support of all Senators. The Criminal Division represents the front line of the federal government's commitment to fight crime.”