WASHINGTON, DC - Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) released the following statements on today’s Senate floor vote to confirm Debo P. Adegbile for Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Civil Rights Division:
 

CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11): “Neither Mr. Adegbile’s ability nor his commitment to advocating for the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans can be disputed. I strongly urge the Senate to confirm Mr. Adegbile as the next Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.”

Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13.): “The work of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is increasingly important in the 21st Century. The Division must continue to have strong leadership as the United States upholds our Nation’s protections that provide greater access to equality, and continues to battle discrimination in all forms. Mr. Adegbile has a proven record of upholding the nation’s civil rights laws through his work with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, as well as the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and deserves to be duly confirmed by the Senate.”

Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-07): “It is my strong conviction that Mr. Adegbile has the qualities to lead the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.  Mr. Adegbile has demonstrated himself an effective advocate for civil rights and a tireless voice for equality.  I unequivocally support Mr. Adegbile's candidacy and I urge the Senate to confirm him.”

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30): “I strongly urge the Senate to confirm Mr. Debo Adegbile to be Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Mr. Adegbile has a strong history of defending the civil and constitutional rights and is one of the preeminent civil rights litigators of his generation.” 

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04):  “Debo P. Adegbile’s story is the quintessential American story. Through hard work and determination, the son of immigrants worked his way out of poverty to the pinnacle of the legal profession. Adegbile’s tireless voice for equality and opportunity for all Americans is what the DOJ Civil Rights Division desperately needs. The Senate should confirm him as Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13): “Debo Adegbile has distinguished himself as a skillful and dedicated public servant. His record advocating for justice and civil rights is unimpeachable. Mr. Adegbile is an excellent choice for Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, and I am proud to support his candidacy.”

Rep. John Lewis (GA- 05): “I have personally witnessed Mr. Adegbile's command of the laws and the power of his advocacy as he argued two pivotal civil rights cases - Shelby County v. Holder and Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No.1 v. Holder- before the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of the Legal Defense Fund. Mr. Adegbile's fluency with the civil rights issues of today and the impactful work in which he has been centrally involved make him an ideal candidate for this position. Mr. Adebile's intelligence, legal acumen, experience, and commitment to his craft, reflect deeply on his ability to offer the Civil Rights Division outstanding leadership into the future. I strongly urge the Senate to promptly confirm Mr. Adegbile for the position of Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.”

Rep. Donald Payne (NJ-10): “Mr. Debo Adegbile has served his country honorably and admirably as a tireless advocate for equality and justice for all.  Throughout his career, he has protected the Constitution, ensuring that the accused maintain their protected constitutional right to legal representation and their right to a trial by providing legal services to those who needed it most and could least afford it.  That is the very essence of our nation’s founding, and Mr. Adegbile should not be punished for upholding the Constitution and defending the constitutional right that every American shares.  I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Adegbile as the next Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.”

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24): “I support President Obama’s nomination of Debo P. Adegbile and I strongly urge the Senate to confirm Mr. Adegbile as the next Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.”

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