The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the Office of the Attorney General which evolved over the years into the head of the Department of Justice and chief law enforcement officer of the Federal Government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested. In matters of exceptional gravity or importance the Attorney General appears in person before the Supreme Court. Since the 1870 Act that established the Department of Justice as an executive department of the government of the United States, the Attorney General has guided the world’s largest law office and the central agency for enforcement of federal laws.

From http://www.usdoj.gov/ag/

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales does not have much time left in office. According to the Associated Press members of the Senate are asking for a special prosecutor to look into the firings of eight U.S. attorneys and President George W. Bush’s eavesdropping program.

Appearing before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary Tuesday Gonzales looked uncomfortable, flinching several times during his testimony. Several of his answers brought scattered laughter from those in attendance and he was jeered by protesters at the conclusion of his testimony.

“It’s hard to see anything but a pattern of intentionally misleading Congress again and again,” Senator Russ Feingold told Gonzales during the often-bitter Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. “Shouldn’t the attorney general of the United States meet a higher standard?”

“Obviously, there have been instances where I have not met that standard, and I’ve tried to correct that,” Gonzales answered.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said, “Of course the president continues to have full confidence in the attorney general”. Which looks like things are over for Mr. Gonzales. (You’re doing a great job Brownie)

Getting rid of one liar in this administration is a good start. I am happy to see Congress finally asserting it’s rights and duties but more needs to be done.