Senator Lugar on Harold Koh nomination

June 23, 2009 -- U.S. Senator Dick Lugar released the following statement on the nomination of Harold Koh to be Legal Adviser to the State Department. The Senate will have a cloture vote tomorrow on the nomination:

The Senate is considering the nomination of Harold Koh to be Legal Adviser to the Department of State. After reading his answers to dozens of questions, attending his hearing in its entirety, meeting with him privately, and reviewing his writings, I believe that Dean Koh is unquestionably qualified to assume the post for which he is nominated. He has had a distinguished career as a teacher and advocate, and he is regarded widely as one of our nation’s most accomplished experts on the theory and practice of international law. He also has served ably in our government as a Justice Department lawyer during the Reagan Administration and as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor from 1998 to 2001.

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The Committee has received innumerable letters of support for the nominee attesting to his character, his love of country, and his respect for the law. He enjoys support from the lawyers with whom he has worked, as well as those – including former Solicitor General Kenneth Starr – whom he has litigated against.

Both in private meetings and in public testimony, Dean Koh has affirmed that he understands the parameters of his role as State Department Legal Adviser. He understands that his role will be to provide policymakers objective advice on legal issues, not to be a campaigner for particular policy outcomes. He also has affirmed that as Legal Adviser he will be prepared to defend the policies and interests of the U.S. Government, even when they may be at odds with positions he has taken in a private capacity. In applying laws relevant to the State Department’s work, he has stated clearly that he will take account of and respect prior U.S. Government interpretations and practices under those laws, rather than considering each such issue as a matter of first impression.

Finally, I believe Dean Koh respects the role of the Senate and the Congress on international legal matters, especially treaties. He has promised to consult with us regularly and fully, not just when treaties come before the Senate, but also on the application of treaties on which the Senate has already provided advice and consent, including any proposed changes in the interpretation of such treaties.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton should be able to choose the individuals on whom they will depend for legal analysis, interpretation, and advice. Given Dean Koh’s record of service and accomplishment, his personal character, his understanding of his role as Legal Adviser, and his commitment to work closely with Congress, I support his nomination and believe he is well deserving of confirmation by the Senate.

Source: Senator Dick Lugar