Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today welcomed an announcement that the Justice Department’s Inspector General is investigating if Attorney General Gonzales deliberately gave false or misleading testimony to Congress on a wide range of issues. The inquiry will include Gonzales’s sworn testimony on the National Security Agency’s warrantless wiretapping program and the dismissal of U.S. Attorneys.

In response to the announcement, Rep. Nadler issued the following statement:

"This is a welcome step to restore our national confidence in the Justice Department. It is long overdue. However, the departure of Attorney General Gonzales does not signify the end of our efforts to restore the rule of law. Even without Gonzales, the Bush Administration will likely continue its ongoing campaign to evade, ignore and undermine the Constitution. I will remain vigilant in my efforts to hold the White House accountable for its actions.

"I believe it is still in the nation’s best interests for a Special Prosecutor to be appointed to investigate the Attorney General’s false statements to Congress and to investigate the apparent criminal violations of law by Attorney General Gonzales and others, including President Bush."