Once in office, President Gore followed through on his campaign promise to lift the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military. When heavy opposition from Conservative groups and Republicans in both the House and Senate blocked legislation to revoke the law, President Gore issued an Executive Order on April 1, 2001, rescinding the ban to take effect in 90 days. Two days later, he made a public apology to the Chinese government for "downing" their aircraft over Hainan, and begged them to release the air crew of the Navy EP-3. Domestically, law enforcement and intelligence agencies were directed by Attorney General Eric Holder to focus their efforts on hate crimes and right-wing militia groups, and this prevailing thought was emphasized by AG Holder when he stated “we have to pre