I'm pleased to welcome Sen. John Ashcroft back to the committee today. I know John Ashcroft to be an upstanding person and a man of integrity who deeply cares about this country. I've been privileged to serve with John here in the Senate and on the Judiciary Committee for the past six years. During this time, I've come to respect John's legal abilities and keen insights into public policy.
John shares my concerns about crime, and has worked hard in the war against drugs. He has helped to increase funding for local law enforcement, and pushed for tougher sentences for criminals. John is also extremely concerned about the victims of crime, having signed into law Missouri Victim's Bill of Rights when he was Governor of Missouri. John also co-sponsored the Violence Against Women's Act when he was here in the Senate.
John and I come from states where agriculture issues are important, and we've had a number of discussions about how to best address the myriad of problems that family farmers are facing today. He is concerned about ensuring competitive markets and a level playing field for farmers and independent producers. Based on my experience with Sen. Ashcroft's work here in the Senate, I know that he is committed to doing what is right for farm country.
John Ashcroft is a man of the law. He is eminently qualified to serve as this nation's Attorney General. His background as Attorney General of Missouri and Missouri Governor are some of the strongest qualifications I've seen for this job. I personally spoke with Sen. Ashcroft, and I believe that he will vigorously enforce all of our nation's laws. I believe that Sen. Ashcroft will uphold the rule of law for all Americans, which will be a refreshing change from the way things were in the Clinton administration where the Justice Department was more of a defense counsel for the President than the nation's law enforcer. John Ashcroft's integrity will be a breath of fresh air.
I do want to make a comment about the mob of extremists who have hit the airwaves and are trying to intimidate members of the other side into voting against Sen. Ashcroft. I hope that my colleagues on the other side have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to these extremist accusations. It's remarkable that accusations of bias and racism have increased to a roaring crescendo now that John Ashcroft has come up for confirmation. If John Ashcroft is so bad, then why did the people of Missouri elect him to be Missouri's Attorney General, Governor and Senator? Would the majority of Missouri citizens support such a "biased" and "extreme" man to serve and represent them? I don't think so. Would the National Association of Attorneys General and the National Governors' Association, two national associations representing both Republican and Democratic Attorneys General and Governors, name such a "biased" man to lead their organizations? I don't think so. But the smear goes on. I, for one, will make my decision based on facts, not innuendo and rumor and spin. I will not let special interest groups, with a liberal agenda far out of the mainstream, hi-jack the Judiciary Committee.
John Ashcroft is a man of great character, integrity and trust, all values which are absolutely necessary for public service. He is an excellent lawyer committed to enforcing all the laws. Above all, I know John Ashcroft to be a man concerned about the well-being of our country, and committed to doing what is right for all Americans. I believe John Ashcroft will be an excellent Attorney General and, at this point, there's absolutely no legitimate reason why he should not be confirmed.