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Powell And Rumsfield Sworn In As Ashcroft Faces Senate
WASHINGTON (IslamOnline) - President George W. Bush wrapped up his first week in office Friday by swearing in two of his nominations to administration offices - Secretary of State Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
However, Bush faces a more difficult time with his nominee for U.S. Attorney General, John Ashcroft.
Ashcroft has been grilled this past week in U.S. Senate confirmation hearings on issues dealing with his religious beliefs, allusions to racism, abortion and stances concerning homosexuality.
One of several issues facing American Muslims concerns the use of secret evidence, which denies bond, asylum, the right to view prosecution evidence and immigration benefits to non-citizens, claiming they are risks to national security, in prosecution of trial cases against them.
During the week, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) asked Ashcroft his position on the issue and whether he would support the passage of, and enforce, the Secret Evidence Repeal Act calling for an end to the use of the practice.
Kennedy, emphasizing Bush's support for the repeal during the presidential campaign, which some Muslim American analysts state won him the American Muslim vote crucial in his narrow victory over Al Gore, queried Ashcroft as to whether he backed his potential boss's campaign position.
Kennedy stated, "President Bush has called this an unfair practice and spoke favorably during the Presidential debates of a bill I co-sponsored last year with Senator
[Spencer] Abraham - the Secret Evidence Repeal Act.
"In 1995, you voted for a [Senator Arlen] Specter amendment to the Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act of 1995 that would require the Attorney General to provide an unclassified summary of the reasons for the initiation of deportation proceedings against a person, where classified information justifying the deportation is not disclosed. Although this amendment was adopted, the provision was ultimately dropped from the final legislation.
"Do you agree with President Bush that such secret evidence is unfair? Would you support the Secret Evidence Repeal Act - which President Bush spoke favorably of during the Presidential debates?" Kennedy asked.
Ashcroft responded, "I am troubled by some of the stories I have heard about the use of secret evidence and believe that such uses must be reconciled with Due Process.
"While I cannot comment on specific legislation, I look forward to working with you to find a way, consistent with national security, to protect the rights of citizens and aspiring citizens coming to our nation."
Ashcroft did not specifically support or condemn the use of secret evidence and answered the question in the same manner he answered questions regarding his views on abortion.
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