WASHINGTON, D.C. – Having serious concerns about Senator John Ashcroft's ability to enforce the laws of the land, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski today submitted questions to the Senate Judiciary Committee for Mr. Ashcroft to answer during the confirmation process.

"I have grave concerns about Senator Ashcroft's commitment to uphold the mission of the Justice Department," said Senator Mikulski. "As a Senator he was his party's most vocal spokesperson for an extreme viewpoint and I'm concerned about his willingness as Attorney General to enforce those laws he has adamantly spoken out against."

"As the confirmation process moves forward, I will be looking at his competency, integrity and commitment to the mission of the Justice Department," continued Mikulski. "I look forward to his responses to my questions."

The questions are:

• Do you intend to be a watchdog on civil rights? How will you be a watchdog on civil rights?

• I have looked into your record as an executive, both as Attorney General and Governor in the State of Missouri. Can you explain why, as Governor of Missouri in 1988, you vetoed the Voter Registration Reform Bill that would have increased minority voter registration in the city of St. Louis, when it was precisely the same type of voter registration that was already taking place in St. Louis County?

• As a senator, you have voted against expanding the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. As Attorney General, how do you intend to enforce the Hate Crimes Statue?

• You have said, "[i]f I had the opportunity to pass but one single law, I would... ban every abortion except for those medically necessary to save the life of the mother," (Human Events, newsletter). Can you provide assurance that you will enforce existing laws protecting a women's right to choose, and that you will investigate and prosecute those individuals and groups who have targeted for assassination providers of legal abortion services?