Russell G. Redenbaugh, a conservative member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, resigned on Monday, blaming the panel for refusing to change its partisan agenda and implement financial reforms.

The resignation follows the recent departures of longtime chairwoman Mary Frances Berry, an independent, and former vice chairman Cruz Reynoso, a Democrat. They left after President Bush appointed a conservative lawyer who opposes affirmative action to run the commission.

During Berry's tenure, the commission released two important reports on unmet needs in Indian Country and inadequate health care. The reports have been widely cited by tribal leaders and members of Congress.

Get the Story:
Member of Civil Rights Panel Quits, Says It Should Be Closed (The Washington Post 3/16)
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Indian Country Reports:
Broken Promises: Evaluating the Native American Health Care System (July 2004) | A Quiet Crisis: Federal Funding and Unmet Needs in Indian Country (July 2003)

Relevant Links:
United States Commission on Civil Rights - http://www.usccr.gov

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