Changes At The Department Of Justice

The election of President Barack Obama signaled a change in the top leadership positions within the Department of Justice.  Article II of the Constitution permits the President to appoint officers of the United States "by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate."  Senator Leahy is the  Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for conducting hearings on nominations to fill executive positions within the Department of Justice. 

The Judiciary Committee also considers judicial nominations, including nominations for the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, U.S. District Courts, and the Court of International Trade.  During confirmation hearings, nominees are asked questions by the members of the Committee.  At the conclusion of the hearing, a nomination is then listed for consideration by the Judiciary Committee during an Executive Business Meeting.  If a majority of the Committee orders an executive nomination to be reported to the full Senate for consideration, the nomination is placed on the Executive Calendar.  If a majority of the full Senate votes in favor of a nomination, the President is notified and the nomination is confirmed.

On December 1, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama announced his first Department of Justice nomination, when he selected Eric H. Holder Jr. to be the next Attorney General of the United States.  A former Deputy Attorney General, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and a former judge for the D.C. Superior Court, Mr. Holder's nomination to be the nation's top law enforcement official received wide-ranging, bipartisan support from former Department of Justice officials, organizations, and advocates from across the country. 

As Chairman, Senator Leahy held the confirmation hearing for Mr. Holder's nomination on January 15 and 16, 2009 in the historic Senate Caucus Room.  On February 2, 2009, the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Eric H. Holder Jr. to be the Attorney General of the United States.  Since the Attorney General's installment, the Senate Judiciary Committee has filled many key positions in the Department of Justice.

Senator Leahy considers all nominations for the Department of Justice thoroughly.  The leadership positions at the Department of Justice are essential in driving and overseeing the Department's work in important areas such as civil rights, national security, and combating crime.  During the Bush administration, the Department of Justice became increasingly politicized, and Senator Leahy is focused on restoring independence and integrity to this essential Department.  Senator Leahy believes that now is the time, without delay, for the prompt installation of new leadership at the Justice Department and has taken strong action in the new, 111^th Congress to promptly and carefully consider all of President Obama's nominees. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee continues to consider nominations at the Department of Justice and has made progress to fill vacant positions.  A complete list of positions that will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee is available on the executive nominations section of the Senate Judiciary Committee website.  And for additional information on judicial and executive nominations, including video of the confirmation hearings, and other hearings regarding the Department of Justice, please visit the Senate Judiciary Committee's website.

Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy At Hearing On "Department Of Justice Oversight" November 18, 2009     Senator Leahy Questions Attorney General Holder At Hearing On “Department Of Justice Oversight” November 18, 2009

Statements, Letters, And Releases On Changes At The Department Of Justice   Senate Confirms Hamilton To Seventh Circuit November 19, 2009 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing On "Department Of Justice Oversight" November 18, 2009 ***VIDEO AVAILABLE*** Senate Confirms Perez To Key Justice Department Post October 6, 2009 Senate Confirms First Appellate Court Nominee September 17, 2009 Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing On Five Nominations September 9, 2009 Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing On Pending Nominations July 29, 2009 Leahy Steers Vermont U.S. Attorney Nominee Through Judiciary Committee, On Track To Become One Of The First Headed For Senate Confirmation June 18, 2009 Statement Of Sen. Leahy At Hearing On "Department of Justice Oversight" June 17, 2009 Attorney General To Testify Before Senate Judiciary Committee June 8, 2009