Statment Re: Remarks of Alberto Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, Before ABA House of Delegates

August 8, 2005 — The American Bar Association was delighted to welcome the Attorney General of the United States to its Annual Meeting.  Attorney General Gonzales addressed three issues close to the heart of the association.  At this meeting, we are examining the continuing need for the Voting Rights Act, which has been a vital part of American democracy.  We welcome the Attorney General’s invitation to continue the dialogue on two other important issues:  sentencing reform and the Patriot Act.  I was especially pleased to hear the Attorney General say that he shares our concerns about protecting privacy and civil liberties issues as we fight terrorism.  We look forward to working with him in the days ahead on these challenges.