From his early days of selling soda at Rice University football games, to his time in the Air Force, to his distinguished legal career and service on the White House staff, Al has been a model of courage and character to his fellow citizens.
I've witnessed his integrity, his decency, his deep dedication to the cause of justice.
Now he will advance that cause as the attorney general and ensure that more Americans have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Attorney General, or General, congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
GONZALES: Thank you.
From the day the president announced my nomination as the attorney general of the United States three months ago, I have thought often about how to best prepare to meet the awesome responsibilities of this office.
Outside these walls, the cries of those powerless souls who are injured, disenfranchised or otherwise aggrieved may indeed be faint. But those same pleas for help echo powerfully within the Department of Justice.
Every day, like a steady drum beat, we are asked to provide an answer to a problem, to secure a remedy, to be a champion. And every day this department responds, as it has done so time and time again throughout the history of our beloved America.
There has been much discussion during my confirmation about the appropriate role of the attorney general: certainly an important and legitimate debate about the individual viewed by many as the primary guardian of our rights and protector of our freedoms.
Undeniably, the attorney general is a member of the president's Cabinet, a part of his team. But the attorney general represents also the American people, and his first allegiance must always be to the Constitution of the United States.
And so, I rise today to reassure you that I understand the special role of this office and to commit to do my best on behalf of the American people to fulfill the confidence and trust reflected in my appointment.
I rise also to express my thanks to all of you here and around the country, particularly in Texas, who have walked with me, even for just a short time, along my journey.
GONZALES: My words, I fear, are inadequate to convey my gratitude for picking me up when I have stumbled.
