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For Immediate Release

Senate Judiciary Committee Splits Vote Along Party Lines on Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Nominee

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday on the nomination of Kristen Clarke to be the assistant attorney general for civil rights to the full Senate.

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday on the nomination of Kristen Clarke to be the assistant attorney general for civil rights to the full Senate. The following is a statement from Damon Hewitt, acting president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:

"Following today's vote, the Senate must act swiftly to confirm Kristen Clarke to the role of assistant attorney general for civil rights. Kristen is extraordinarily qualified. She is a strong leader, a consensus builder, and is day one ready to lead the Division to help make the promise of equal justice for all a reality.

"With her prior experience and deep expertise on a range of civil rights issues, Kristen is uniquely prepared to lead the Division's efforts to address rising voter suppression, police accountability, and the rise in violent and racist hate activity that threatens our national security. Kristen has an unassailable record when it comes to being a champion of civil rights for all Americans. She has earned the support of the entire civil rights community, some of the nation's largest law-enforcement groups, religious organizations, and the broader legal community. There is no question that she is exactly the person we need at this critical moment for our communities, and for our nation. The Senate must confirm her swiftly."

The Lawyers' Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar's leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity - work that continues to be vital today.

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