Breaking News
Senate Panel Moves Mukasey NominationForward
(Reuters) A divided Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved Michael Mukasey as U.S. attorney general despite concerns about the retired judge's refusal to denounce simulated drowning as unlawful torture.
The Democratic-led panel, on a largely party-line vote, sent President George W. Bush's nomination of Mukasey to the full Senate for anticipated confirmation, likely next week.
Bush's selection of Mukasey to replace former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales initially drew broad support. But Mukasey ran into trouble at his confirmation hearing when he declined to say if he considered the so-called waterboarding interrogation technique illegal torture.
Critics have accused the United States of torturing suspects in the war on terrorism, with the CIA reportedly using the simulated drowning on at least three high-level detainees after the September 11 attacks.
Bush says torture is prohibited but refuses to disclose interrogation techniques.
Note:The vote was, 11-8, with two Democratic senators, Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) and Charles Schumer (N.Y.) crossing party lines to join Republicans in endorsing Mukasey.
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