WASHIINGTON –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, D-MD, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said today that the confirmation hearings on the nomination of former federal District Court Judge Michael B. Mukasey as Attorney General will “present an opportunity to restore the confidence of the American people in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).” The hearings are scheduled to start tomorrow.

The Senator had been critical of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ for politicizing the Justice Department and the firing of the nine U.S. Attorneys.
  Mr. Gonzales resigned on Aug. 27.

“My top priority in Judge Mukasey’s confirmation hearings is to ensure that he will restore leadership, professionalism and independence to the Department of Justice.
  In particular, I want to make sure that his vision for the DOJ includes a strong commitment to civil rights enforcement and restoring the department’s previous commitment to civil rights,” said Senator Cardin.

Later in the week, Senator Cardin will chair the second panel of witnesses for the Attorney General's nomination hearing.
  The witnesses will consist of former Justice Department officials, military officers, and civil rights groups with recommendations on how to restore the integrity, professionalism, and independence to the department.