California Congresswoman Karen Bass Statement on President Obama nominating Loretta Lynch as Attorney General

For Immediate Release

Statement on President Obama nominating Loretta Lynch as Attorney General

Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on President Obama's announcement today that he has nominated Loretta Lynch to serve as the next Attorney General:

"I commend President Obama for choosing Loretta Lynch, a committed public servant and a distinguished lawyer, to serve as our nation's next Attorney General, and in the best interest of our country the United States Senate should quickly confirm her so she can get to work as our country's top law enforcement officer.

"Loretta Lynch's career has perfectly prepared her to be our nation's 83rd Attorney General. Appointed by both President Obama and President Clinton to serve as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she has both shown her tenacity as a tough prosecutor as well as her dedication for standing up for civil rights and ensuring equal justice for all Americans.

"As only the second woman--and the first woman of color--to serve as Attorney General, Ms. Lynch is an historic appointment. She has been confirmed twice by the United States Senate, and she has a proven record of success as a United States Attorney. There is simply no reason why the Senate should not confirm her as soon as possible.

"I look forward to working with Ms. Lynch to build on the important reforms to our nation's criminal justice system undertaken by Attorney General Eric Holder. Under President Obama, our nation has made important strides in reducing draconian sentences so that our criminal justice system is both just and fair. We still have much work to do, and Ms. Lynch has the experience to lead the Department of Justice."


U.S. Rep. Karen Bass represents the 37th Congressional District, which includes Los Angeles, Century City, and Culver City and was the 67th Speaker of the California Assembly. Rep. Bass serves as the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights.