Speeches

"Ours is a nation of laws, guided by principles that reflect the essential goodness of the American people. Many of these values – adherence to the rule of law, equality before the law, and the applicability of Due Process – are as well-known as they are timeless. And yet, these principles can only truly be the animating force of our legal system if we, both individually and collectively, make it so."

"The COPS Hiring Recovery Program is a competitive grant program designed to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. Through it, the Department of Justice will provide funding directly to local law enforcement agencies to hire new law enforcement officers, or to rehire experienced officers. We know how difficult things are today, and we want to do everything we can to ease the pressure you are facing to fund your police departments while making investments that will help your local economy and make us safer."

"It’s a special privilege for me to lead the Department of Justice at this moment in its history. My Department has many goals to which we aspire. However, nothing is more important to me than defending our nation and its citizens from acts of terrorism, and ensuring that our government abides by the letter and the spirit of our Constitution."

"Today, in a combined effort by federal, state and local law enforcement in California, Minnesota and Maryland, more than 50 alleged members of the dangerous Sinaloa Cartel were arrested as part of an international narcotics trafficking and money laundering investigation called Operation Xcellerator. During the last 21 months of this operation, more than 750 people have been arrested in the United States and Mexico. More than $59 million in illegal drug proceeds and large amounts of narcotics and weapons have been seized in the United States by law enforcement authorities, including more than 12,000 kilos of cocaine, 1,200 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.3 million ecstasy pills and more than 160 weapons."

"Perhaps the greatest strength of the United States is the diversity of its people and to truly understand this country one must have knowledge of its constituent parts. But an unstudied, not discussed and ultimately misunderstood diversity can become a divisive force. An appreciation of the unique black past, acquired through the study of black history, will help lead to understanding and true compassion in the present, where it is still so sorely needed, and to a future where all of our people are truly valued."

The Justice Department has aptly been described as the “crown jewel” of the federal government. It has attained this distinction not because of any laws or regulations, cases or controversies, buildings or equipment, but rather because of the quality, integrity, and dedication of the people who work tirelessly to carry out the Department’s vital mission.

"As I return to the institution that formed me as a lawyer I am determined to ensure that there shall be a new day for the dedicated career professionals I am once again honored to call my colleagues. There shall be no place for political favoritism, no reason to be timid in enforcing the laws that protect our rights, our environment and our principles as long as I have the opportunity to lead this great Department."

It was 14 months ago that I stood in this hall and took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution — the same oath taken by those who preceded me as Attorney General and by all attorneys and agents of the Department. In addition to taking the oath that day, I gave you a pledge – among other things, to use all the strength of my mind and body to help you continue to protect the freedom and security of the people of this country, and their civil rights and liberties; to take the counsel, not only of my own insights but also of yours; and to give you the leadership you deserved.