No-Confidence Resolution Sponsors Hope for Bi-partisan Support in House

May 21 (LPAC)--Sponsors of a no-confidence resolution against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales held a press conference late this afternoon. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-FL) was joined by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), a fellow member of the House Judiciary Committee; Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL), an original sponsor, was unable to be present.

Schiff cited, as his reasons for bringing the resolution, Gonzales's handling of the firing of U.S. Attorneys, his "demonstrated lack of independence from the White House," his inconsistent testimony as to whether there were disagreements over the domestic surveillance program, and the situation at Guantanamo.

Schiff said that they currently have a dozen co-sponsors, all Democrats, but he pointed out that prominent Republicans both in the House and Senate have called for Gonzales to resign. "The call for him to step down has been bi-partisan," he said, adding that he hopes that there will also be bi-partisan support for the their resolution. The number three Republican in the House, Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL), has already called for Gonzales to resign.