Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 12, 1993 TAG: 9303120198
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From The Associated Press and Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
RENO TO LEAD JUSTICE
Janet Reno became the first woman ever confirmed as attorney general Thursday as the Senate's 98-0 vote filled out President Clinton's Cabinet and guaranteed fresh leadership of a Justice Department that was still run by a Bush holdover."It's an extraordinary experience and I hope I do the women of America proud," Reno said at the White House with Clinton after the unanimous vote.
"I'm elated," Clinton said. "That may be the only vote I carry 98-0 this year."
Applause broke out in the normally decorous Senate chamber when the vote was announced, making Reno the government's top law enforcement officer.
On the Senate floor, Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, D-Ohio, said, "President Clinton should be commended for taking yet another step in opening new opportunities for women and minorities."
A host of problems, ranging from a terrorist bombing in New York to questions about the FBI director in her own department, await the 54-year-old south Floridian. The White House said she will be sworn in today.
Her immediate tasks would include reforming the Immigration and Naturalization Service and resolving ethical questions surrounding FBI Director William Sessions, Reno said. Long-term goals include vigorous enforcement of laws to protect civil rights and the environment, she said.
Reno said the federal government also may look into the slaying of Dr. David Gunn, who was shot outside a women's clinic. A man known to oppose abortion is accused of the shooting.
Conservatives and liberals expect Reno to pursue more aggressive enforcement of civil rights and environmental-protection laws.
"I would speculate there will be large changes rather than small," said Michael W. McConnell, a University of Chicago law professor who worked in the Justice Department during the Reagan administration.