Watch Robert Bentley’s entire resignation speech
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley announced his resignation Monday following allegations allegations he abused his powers to cover up an extramarital affair with a former top aide. Bentley’s resignation, effective immediately, came the same day impeachment hearings against the former governor began. Watch Bentley’s entire resignation speech below:
Robert Bentley resignation shows voters are only willing to put up with so much
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s resignation shows that even in a single-party environment, voters are only willing to put up with so much said Harry Enten of FiveThirtyEight.com. “Bentley is a Republican, and Alabama’s state legislature and electorate are both overwhelmingly Republican,” Enten wrote. “In these uber-partisan times, it can seem like Democrats always back Democrats and Republicans always back Republicans. That didn’t happen in Alabama.” Bentley resigned as part of a deal that saw him plead guilty to two misdemeanor campaign violations, agree to perform 100 hours of community service and to never hold public office again. The charges stemmed from his alleged use of his office and campaign funds to cover up an extramarital affair. New Gov. Kay Ivey was sworn into office just hours after the plea deal went public. Enten’s article points to a Cooperative Congressional Election Study from last year that showed the two-term Republican governor had the lowest approval ratings from voters in his own party of any governor in the country. That survey found 54 percent of Alabama GOP voters disapproved of the job Bentley was doing, while just 42 percent approved. Yes, Bentley was more disliked among party faithful than New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is going through a spell of historically low popularity after some scandals of his own. He managed a plus-six rating among GOP voters. In fact, Bentley’s net-negative rating was unique among sitting governors, with the next-closest, Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, posting a plus-five rating among Republican voters in that state. “Partisanship goes a long ways these days. But there are limits,” Enten wrote.
Alabama political leaders react to Robert Bentley’s resignation
Political leaders across the Yellowhammer State are reacting to the news of Robert Bentley resigning as Governor of Alabama Monday afternoon. Here’s what they’re saying: Alabama Attorney General Steven Marshall: I appreciate the work of Ellen Brooks, supernumerary district attorney, as well as the Attorney General’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in conducting the investigation of Governor Bentley which today led to his guilty pleas and resignation from office. I told the people of Alabama that I would recuse if there was an investigation and I did. I have allowed experienced and professional prosecutors to handle this matter and I have provided all the resources related to the performance of their work. I will fully support Kay Ivey’s transition as the next governor of the State of Alabama and I look forward to working with her to address the pressing issues that face our state. Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon: I’m grateful that Governor Bentley has seen the writing on the wall and made what must have been a difficult decision. When I met with him on Friday, I told him I would be praying for him. I will continue praying for him as he adjusts to the next chapter in his life and reflects upon the legacy he leaves behind. I’ll pray, as well, for Governor Kay Ivey, who has had an awesome burden placed upon her shoulders, but as someone who knows her talents and abilities and the values that guide her moral compass, I’m confident she will lead our state well. The attention of the House and Senate can once again fully focus on the real problems facing our state. We can now turn our attention to our most fundamental task of passing our state’s budgets. We can once again devote our every effort to doing the important work that our constituents – the families, neighbors, friends, and hardworking men and women in each of our districts – sent us to Montgomery to do. I have faith that with God’s grace and His guidance, we can put this difficult chapter in Alabama’s history behind us and work toward providing our children, our grandchildren, and their children after them a better and more prosperous Alabama. Alabama Senate Leader Greg Reed: The people of Alabama deserve and expect for their political leaders to be men and women of integrity. The state can move forward now under the honorable and trustworthy leadership of Governor Kay Ivey, and I look forward to working with her administration. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh will now serve as the presiding officer over the Alabama Senate. Senator Marsh is a very capable public servant, and I will continue to work closely with him to advance an agenda that puts the people of Alabama first. Alabama Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross: Today, Gov. Robert Bentley did what was in the best interest of the State of Alabama by resigning. For the past two years, the Alabama Legislature has been plagued by distractions that have threatened to derail our legislative system. Former House Speaker Mike Hubbard, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, and now, former Gov. Robert Bentley have all caused embarrassing headlines for our great state on a local, regional and national level. Therefore, moving forward from today, it is critical that we do not allow anything else to distract us from the job at hand which is providing solutions to the many problems our citizens face. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels: The Governor’s resignation is long overdue. If it had not been for the few brave citizens who put our state first and doing the right thing above everything else, this saga might still be continuing. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, the astounding revelations of the past few days are just part of a pattern of abuses by those at the highest levels of power in our state. First, it was the former Speaker, then the former Chief Justice of our Supreme Court and now the former Governor — all of whom have fallen short of the standards of service in the public interest and adherence to the law. From the agreement reached today, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done to stop this cycle of cronyism and abuse of power that has a stranglehold on our state government. These politicians recklessly put themselves, their bank accounts, and their egos before their duty — working on behalf of the people of Alabama. This abuse of power has consumed our state government for far too long and wasted money that could have been used for any number of vital state needs. We must turn the page on this ugly and shameful chapter in our state history. I sincerely hope the new Governor represents a departure from what we have seen for too long. I look forward to working with Governor Ivey and hope she will work across the aisle to get our state government working for the people of Alabama again. Dothan-Republican state Rep. Paul Lee: I think Governor Bentley’s resignation is best for the entire state. This will allow us to move forward with our business such as getting our budgets passed as they should be. We need to work on the redistricting we are charged to do by the courts and we have other everyday business including what we are going to do with the prison system. Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Terry Lathan: In the best interest of our state, it was the correct action of Governor Robert Bentley to resign. Ozark-Republican state Rep. Steve Clouse: I think (Bentley) made the right decision. It was evident after last Friday’s report that he had misused state personnel for private purposes. That was the smoking gun the Legislature was looking for, some type of financial irregularity. Kay Ivey will be a breath of fresh air. I have know her for a long time and worked very closely with her. I think it will be
Alabama delegation weighs in on Robert Bentley resignation
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley resigned from office Monday afternoon following allegations he used state resources to cover up an affair he was having with one of his former aides. The Alabama Congressional delegation has released the following statements about Bentley’s resignation: Sen. Richard Shelby: The American people’s trust in their government depends on the integrity and dignity of those in office, and it is clear that Alabamians have lost this in Governor Bentley. As governor, Bentley was elected by the people of Alabama to the highest position of authority and should consequentially treat the office with the utmost respect. I believe he has made the right decision in offering his resignation. I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey in her new capacity as Governor of Alabama. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Governor Bentley’s decision to resign was the right thing to do. The people of Alabama deserve leaders who are focused on the serious issues facing our state, and I look forward to better days ahead. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Governor Bentley had to make a difficult choice in resigning today. However, I believe it was the right decision for a state I know he deeply loves. I thank Governor Bentley for his service to our state, in particular, the way he handled the devastation and loss of life after the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. I wish new Governor Kay Ivey the best and stand ready to help her in anyway I can to advance our state and help its people. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: I believe Robert Bentley resigning as Governor of Alabama was the appropriate decision. The people of Alabama deserve a leader who is above reproach and governs our great state without distractions. This action is the first step to allow the people of Alabama to finally move on from this situation.
Robert Bentley resigns after plea deal
The Latest on impeachment hearings for Gov. Robert Bentley (all times local): 5:15 p.m. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has resigned after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges of violating state campaign finance law. The attorney general’s office announced the resignation Monday with a plea deal. Bentley was addressing the media Monday afternoon at the Alabama Capitol. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey’s announced that she will be sworn-in this evening as Alabama’s governor at 6 p.m. Bentley’s voice began choking with emotion as he addressed reporters at the Alabama Capitol. He said he always tried to live up to the high expectations placed on the person who holds the esteemed office. He apologized for mistakes. Alabama’s Ethics Commission last week found probable cause that Bentley violated state ethics laws with his handling of an alleged affair and referred the case to prosecutors. ___ 5 p.m. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has pleaded guilty after being booked on two campaign and ethics charges in Montgomery. Bentley appeared sullen and looked down at the floor during the Monday afternoon session. Attorneys went over the charges as a plea agreement was signed. Bentley told a judge he understood the charges. The agreement specifies that Bentley must surrender campaign funds totaling $36,912 within a week and perform 100 hours of community service as a physician. He also cannot seek public office again. Jail records show Bentley was booked on two misdemeanor charges that arose from the investigation of an alleged affair with a top aide. His office has scheduled a late afternoon appearance by Bentley at the Capitol. A person who has spoken to Bentley tells The Associated Press says he plans to resign. ___ 4:30 p.m. Jail records show Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has been booked on two misdemeanor charges that arose from the investigation of an alleged affair with a top aide. A booking log at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website shows Bentley was processed on two campaign and ethics charges Monday afternoon. A mugshot released by the jail shows Bentley smiling slightly, his head cocked slightly to the right. He’s wearing a coat and tie. Bentley is expected to resign Monday. Alabama’s Ethics Commission last week found probable cause that Bentley violated state ethics laws with his handling of an alleged affair and referred the case to prosecutors. ___ 2:55 p.m. A person who has spoken to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says he plans to resign over allegations he covered up an affair with an aide. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. Bentley is preparing to announce his resignation Monday during a Cabinet meeting. The person says Bentley is in good spirits over the decision to step down. Word of Bentley’s decision comes on the first day of impeachment hearings. He is accused of abusing his state powers to try to hide his romance. The Republican governor has acknowledged making personal mistakes but has denied doing anything illegal or anything that would merit removal from office. ___ 11:25 a.m. The top lawyer in an impeachment investigation says Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley did not cooperate with the probe. Special counsel Jack Sharman said Monday there was a question of the governor’s “candor.” Bentley is accused of misusing state resources to keep an alleged affair with a staffer from being exposed. Sharman says the governor’s office turned over only innocuous text messages between him and former political adviser Rebekah Caldwell Mason. Sharman says the governor’s former wife turned over others. In those texts, Bentley repeatedly told Mason how much me loved and wanted her. The governor’s then-wife, Dianne Bentley, was able to read the text messages because they also showed up on his state-issued iPad, which he had given the first lady. Dianne Bentley provided the messages to the committee. It is not known if the messages were deleted from the governor’s state phone when the committee requested them. ___ 10:30 a.m. Impeachment hearings have begun for Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who is accused of misusing state resources to keep an alleged affair with a staffer from being exposed. House Judiciary Chairman Mike Jones opened the hearings Monday by saying no task was more serious than the possible removal of an elected governor. Jones said it was time to hear evidence collected by the committee’s special counsel. The governor’s lawyers will respond to those accusations later in the week. Special Counsel Jack Sharman opened by saying that impeachment is the “people’s check” on political excess. The hearings are the start of a lengthy process that could end with Bentley being removed from office. The Republican governor has acknowledged making personal mistakes but has denied doing anything illegal or anything that would merit removal from office ___ 8:15 a.m. A spokeswoman says scandal-plagued Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is not personally involved in any negotiations to resign. Yasamie August made the statement Monday morning as the House Judiciary Committee was set to begin impeachment hearings. Asked if there were any discussions about resignation, August said the response was the same that the governor was not personally involved in any negotiations. Bentley has struggled to shake off a scandal after recordings surfaced last year of him making romantic and sexually charged comments in 2014 to a top female aide before his divorce. The Republican governor has acknowledged making personal mistakes but has denied doing anything illegal or anything that would merit removal from office. The hearings are the start of a lengthy process that could end with Bentley being removed from office. The committee will decide whether to recommend impeachment. If the House votes to impeach Bentley, he will automatically be removed from his duties and can only be returned to office if acquitted in a trial-like proceeding before the Alabama Senate. ___ 2:05 a.m. Alabama lawmakers are set to begin impeachment hearings for Gov. Robert Bentley as they consider whether to try ousting the governor over accusations he used state resources
Robert Bentley resigns amid growing scandal
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has resigned following allegations he used state resources to cover up an affair he was having with one of his former aides. On Monday afternoon, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Bentley had been booked on two misdemeanor charges —one for failing to file a major contribution report and another for knowingly using campaign contributions for personal use. He plead guilty to both charges, each carried a $300 bond, and has been sentenced to 12 months of unsupervised probation. When asked at the Montgomery County Courthouse if he was guilty, Bentley responded, “Yes, sir.” Over the past few days, Bentley had been called on to resign by multiple state Party leaders, including Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh and the state Republican Party Steering Committee. Bentley is the fourth Alabama governor to step down or be forced out of office. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey will be sworn in as Alabama’s second female governor and its first female Republican governor at 6 p.m. CT. This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. Watch Bentley’s entire resignation speech below:
Kay Ivey sworn in as 54th Alabama governor
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey has been sworn in as the 54th Governor of the State of Alabama. Ivey’s swearing-in comes in the wake of former Gov. Robert Bentley’s resignation less than one hour earlier. The swearing-in took place at 6 p.m. in the Old Senate Chamber in the Alabama State Capitol, where Ivey became the Yellowhammer State’s second female governor, the first was Lurleen Wallace dating back to 1967. She is also the first Republican female governor of the state. “Serving as your governor and representing the state of Alabama is no small task, but I pledge to each of you I will do my best,” said Ivey. “The Ivey administration will be open, transparent, and it will be honest.” The 72-year old has held various state positions since 1982 including state treasurer, a position on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Alabama Development Office. In 2002, Kay became the first Republican elected State Treasurer since Reconstruction and was re-elected in 2006. As Treasurer, Kay was committed to making the office more open, transparent, and efficient. She made history yet again in 2010 when she was elected the first Republican woman Lieutenant Governor in Alabama’s history, and repeated the feat when re-elected in 2014. Ivey released the following statement after the ceremony: Today is both a dark day for Alabama yet also one of opportunity. I ask for your help and patience as we together steady the Ship of State and improve Alabama’s image. Those are my first priorities as your 54th Governor. When I took the oath of office in 2011 and then again in 2015, I was prepared for this day, but never desired or expected it. The people of Alabama should know that there will be no disruption in the function of your state government. I will soon meet with the current Finance Director, Cabinet members, Senate and House Leadership as well as Constitutional officers to ensure a smooth changeover. Despite the challenges we face, today’s transition should be viewed as a positive opportunity. It is a demonstration of our successful practice of the rule of law and the principles of democracy. Serving as your Governor and representing the State of Alabama is no small task. I pledge to each of you that I will do my best. The Ivey administration will be open, transparent, and honest. My commitment is to serve for the Glory of God and the good of man. I humbly ask for your prayers and your support, especially over the coming days and weeks. Let us use this opportunity to make Alabama even better and your government more effective. May God continue to bless sweet home Alabama.
Aerojet Rocketdyne to move 800+ jobs to Huntsville
A globally-recognized rocket and missile propulsion manufacturer is expanding its presence in Alabama. Aerojet Rocketdyne announced plans on Monday it will consolidate several facilities and relocate their operations to Huntsville, Ala. over the next two years. “We are two years into the first phase of our CIP affordability drive and the consolidation progress, and overhead cost reductions achieved to date have exceeded our expectations,” said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. “We intend to build on this success by expanding our CIP-related consolidation efforts so we can deliver the value our customers demand and position our company for further growth.” Aerojet Rocketdyne plans to consolidate its Sacramento and Vernon, Cali. and Gainesville, Va. sites while centralizing and expanding its existing presence in Huntsville, Ala. with a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for AR1 engine production, Additive Manufacturing, Composites production and Research & Development. The site is expected to be ready for production in mid-2019. The company plans to close its Gainesville, Va. facility in the third quarter of 2018. Approximately 170 positions there will be relocated or eliminated with relocations planned to Huntsville and the company’s facility in Orange County, Va.. To accommodate the company’s consolidations, overall growth plans for Huntsville include the addition of approximately 800 jobs to support America’s space and defense needs for the next quarter century and beyond. “Huntsville’s legacy in the development of rocket propulsion systems makes it the ideal choice for Aerojet Rocketdyne’s AR1 rocket engine assembly center and its advanced manufacturing and engineering operations,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Aerojet Rocketdyne’s decision to base these cutting-edge activities in Huntsville is a powerful endorsement of the capabilities found there.” The AR1 is being developed to provide the United States with a new, world-competitive, state-of-the-art engine for launch vehicles and will end American dependency on Russian engines for national security and civil space launches. The company is currently developing and testing AR1 engine systems and is on schedule to deliver a certified engine in 2019 to meet the congressionally-mandated deadline to end U.S. dependence on foreign engine suppliers. “This project is another great example of our effort to diversify Huntsville’s economy with high quality advanced manufacturing, and yet, Aerojet Rocketdyne is here because of Huntsville’s outstanding role in research and defense technology,” stated Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This project works all facets of our economy by marrying R&D with advanced manufacturing. We are both rocket scientists and rocket builders.” At the company’s Sacramento site, Defense-related program management, engineering and related support positions will be moved to the company’s Huntsville, Alabama, facilities, home of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Defense headquarters and Rocket Shop℠ Defense Advanced Programs, by the end of 2018. “Aerojet Rocketdyne’s announcement today is excellent news for our state,” added Sen. Richard Shelby. “North Alabama remains the nation’s epicenter for aerospace and defense research, development, and production. I am pleased to see Aerojet Rocketdyne investing and growing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities.”
Top impeachment lawyer says Robert Bentley did not cooperate
The top lawyer in an impeachment investigation says Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley did not cooperate with the probe. Special counsel Jack Sharman said Monday there was a question of the governor’s “candor.” Bentley is accused of misusing state resources to keep an alleged affair with a staffer from being exposed. Sharman says the governor’s office turned over only innocuous text messages between him and former political adviser Rebekah Caldwell Mason. Sharman says the governor’s former wife turned over others. In those texts, Bentley repeatedly told Mason how much me loved and wanted her. The governor’s then-wife, Dianne Bentley, was able to read the text messages because they also showed up on his state-issued iPad, which he had given the first lady. Dianne Bentley provided the messages to the committee. It is not known if the messages were deleted from the governor’s state phone when the committee requested them.
AP source: Robert Bentley to resign
A person who has spoken to Gov. Robert Bentley says he plans to resign over allegations he covered up an affair with an aide. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. Bentley is preparing to announce his resignation Monday during a Cabinet meeting. The person says Bentley is in good spirits over the decision to step down. Word of Bentley’s decision comes on the first day of impeachment hearings. He is accused of abusing his state powers to try to hide his romance. The Republican governor has acknowledged making personal mistakes but has denied doing anything illegal or anything that would merit removal from office.
Neil Gorsuch sworn into Supreme Court, vows to serve Constitution
President Donald Trump praised new Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch during a White House swearing-in ceremony on Monday as a jurist who will rule “not on his personal preferences but based on a fair and objective reading of the law.” In the Rose Garden ceremony, Trump said Americans would see in Gorsuch “a man who is deeply faithful to the Constitution of the United States” and predicted greatness for the 49-year-old former appeals court judge from Colorado. “I have no doubt you will go down as one of the truly great justices in the history of the U.S.,” Trump said. The president noted that the successful nomination came during his first 100 days in office and added: “You think that’s easy?” Gorsuch, who restores the court’s conservative majority, was sworn in during the ceremony by Justice Anthony Kennedy, for whom he once served as a law clerk. It was the second of two oaths — the first was conducted privately in the Justices’ Conference Room by Chief Justice John Roberts. In remarks in the Rose Garden, Gorsuch said he was humbled by his ascendance to the nation’s high court and thanked his former law clerks, saying of his former law clerks, “your names are etched in my heart forever.” Gorsuch promised to be a “faithful servant of the Constitution and laws of this great nation.” He fills the nearly 14-month-old vacancy created after the death of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who anchored the court’s conservative wing for nearly three decades before he died unexpectedly in February 2016. In nominating Gorsuch, Trump said he fulfilled a campaign pledge to pick someone in the mold of Scalia. During 11 years on the federal appeals court in Denver, Gorsuch mirrored Scalia’s originalist approach to the law, interpreting the Constitution according to the meaning understood by those who drafted it. Like Scalia, Gorsuch is a gifted writer with a flair for turning legal jargon into plain language people can understand. Gorsuch will be seated just in time to hear one of the biggest cases of the term: a religious rights dispute over a Missouri law that bars churches from receiving public funds for general aid programs. His 66-day confirmation process was swift, but bitterly divisive. It saw Senate Republicans trigger the “nuclear option” to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold for Gorsuch and all future high court nominees. The change allowed the Senate to hold a final vote to approve Gorsuch with a simple majority. Most Democrats refused to support Gorsuch because they were still seething over the Republican blockade last year of President Barack Obama‘s pick for the same seat, Merrick Garland. Senate Republicans refused to even hold a hearing for Garland, saying a high court replacement should be up to the next president. The White House swearing-in ceremony was a departure from recent history. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan were both sworn in publicly at the Supreme Court. Former Justice John Paul Stevens has argued that holding the public ceremony at the court helps drive home the justice’s independence from the White House. Some interesting facts about Gorsuch and the court: He is the youngest nominee since Clarence Thomas, who was 43 when confirmed in 1991. The Colorado native went to high school in Washington while his mother served as EPA administrator in the Reagan administration. He’s the sixth member of the court who attended Harvard Law School; the other three got their law degrees from Yale. Gorsuch credits a nun with teaching him how to write. He and his family attend an Episcopal church in Boulder, though he was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools as a child. He joins a court that has five Catholics and three Jews. As an associate justice, Gorsuch will earn $251,800 a year — over 15 percent above his $217,600 salary as an appellate judge. Gorsuch joins the ranks of justices who are millionaires. He reported financial assets in 2015 worth at least $3.2 million, according to his latest financial disclosure report. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Jeff Sessions’ Justice Dep’t will end forensic science commission
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Monday he is ending an Obama-era partnership with independent scientists that aimed to improve the reliability of forensic science, as longstanding concerns remain about the quality of such evidence in court cases. The Justice Department will not renew the National Commission on Forensic Science, a panel of judges, defense attorneys, researchers and law enforcement officials that had been advising the attorney general on the use of scientific evidence in the criminal justice process. The department will instead appoint an in-house adviser and create an internal committee to study improvements to forensic analysis, Sessions said. Their tasks will include a broad look at the personnel and equipment needs of overburdened crime labs. “As we decide how to move forward, we bear in mind that the department is just one piece of the larger criminal justice system,” said Sessions in a statement, adding that most forensic science is done by state and local laboratories and used by local prosecutors. The Obama administration formed the commission in 2013 to address wide-ranging concerns about problematic forensic techniques. The Justice Department also is reconsidering an effort launched last year to review forensic sciences practiced by the FBI. That review sought to determine whether other scientific disciplines have been tainted by flawed testimony, a problem that surfaced in 2015 when the Justice Department revealed that experts had overstated the strength of their evidence in many older cases dating back decades involving microscopic hair analysis. The disbanding of the commission was yet another way in which Sessions is shifting away from his Obama-era predecessors, who pushed for changes in forensic science and tried to establish federal standards. Last year, for example, acting on the commission’s recommendations, the Justice Department announced a new code of professional responsibility for its forensic science laboratories and also cautioned its examiners and prosecutors to use restraint in discussing the strength of their findings, among other standards. Sessions, who frequently articulates a tough-on-crime agenda, called the availability of accurate forensic analysis “critical to integrity in law enforcement, reducing violent crime and increasing public safety.” He said the Justice Department would seek public comment on how to improve crime labs and “strengthen the foundations of forensic science.” The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said it was disappointed by the move. Association President Barry Pollack said the commission was important because it allowed “unbiased expert evaluation of which techniques are scientifically valid and which are not.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
