FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009
Michael Victorian
(202) 639-6405
(202) 639-6405
AFGE National President John Gage Meets with Attorney General Eric Holder
(WASHINGTON) – The American Federation of Government Employees announced today that it’s National President, John Gage, met with United States Attorney General Eric Holder. Over the past eight years, AFGE members in the agency have vigorously fought to maintain the agency’s mission, but were increasingly discouraged by its politicization.
AFGE applauded President Obama when he initially nominated Mr. Holder, citing Holder’s career in public service as a steward of the American people’s trust. Gage said then, “Obama’s choice of Holder signifies that he is serious about restoring credibility and the rule of law to the United States judicial system.”
AFGE has also been encouraged by President Obama’s request for $6 billion for the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons (BoP) for fiscal year 2010. For years, AFGE’s Council of Prison Locals, which represents federal correctional officers nationwide, has fought for full staffing and funding to combat dramatic increases in violence. The dramatic need for increased resources at federal prisons culminated tragically last year when correctional officer Jose Rivera was killed by two inmates with homemade weapons at the United States Penitentiary in Atwater, Calif.
“The Department of Justice’s unique position in our government requires the assurance of a fair and impartial administration. Our democracy is completely reliant upon its ability to maintain the public’s trust,” said Gage. We appreciate Attorney General Holder’s recognition of AFGE has a partner in public service. We are eager to work with him to continue to serve the American people.”
AFGE applauded President Obama when he initially nominated Mr. Holder, citing Holder’s career in public service as a steward of the American people’s trust. Gage said then, “Obama’s choice of Holder signifies that he is serious about restoring credibility and the rule of law to the United States judicial system.”
AFGE has also been encouraged by President Obama’s request for $6 billion for the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons (BoP) for fiscal year 2010. For years, AFGE’s Council of Prison Locals, which represents federal correctional officers nationwide, has fought for full staffing and funding to combat dramatic increases in violence. The dramatic need for increased resources at federal prisons culminated tragically last year when correctional officer Jose Rivera was killed by two inmates with homemade weapons at the United States Penitentiary in Atwater, Calif.
“The Department of Justice’s unique position in our government requires the assurance of a fair and impartial administration. Our democracy is completely reliant upon its ability to maintain the public’s trust,” said Gage. We appreciate Attorney General Holder’s recognition of AFGE has a partner in public service. We are eager to work with him to continue to serve the American people.”
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