WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is accepting the resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder and praising him for his deep commitment to ensuring all Americans receive equal justice under the law.

The president said during an East Room ceremony that it was a “bittersweet moment” to accept Holder’s resignation after six years on the job. But he added that he was glad Holder would stay on until a successor is confirmed.

Obama praised Holder for his track record in a variety of areas, especially for reinvigorating the defense of civil rights.

Holder, for his part, said he was proud of what the department had accomplished but said that work remains to be done.

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