The Senate has confirmed 13 U.S. Attorneys and the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, following a vote of 53-43. The confirmations were part of a broader package that included 97 executive nominees.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) commented on the importance of these appointments, noting their role in prosecuting violent criminals and upholding public safety. “U.S. Attorneys are an essential component of law enforcement – responsible for prosecuting violent criminals, protecting the public and enforcing the rule of law. Yesterday, Senate Republicans successfully voted to confirm these critical law enforcement officers to protect communities across the country. The bulk of Senate Democrats who voted ‘no’ yet again proved their disdain for the safety and wellbeing of Americans. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I’ll continue working in the new year to successfully and efficiently advance and confirm President Trump’s nominees,” Grassley said.
The list of confirmed nominees includes Andrew Duva as Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division; Erin Creegan for District of New Hampshire; Jerome Francis Gorgon, Jr., for Eastern District of Michigan; David Courcelle for Eastern District of Louisiana; Braden Boucek for Middle District of Tennessee; Domonick Gerace II for Southern District of Ohio; Bryan Stirling for District of South Carolina; Thomas Wheeler II for Southern District of Indiana; Adam Mildred for Northern District of Indiana; Thomas Albus for Eastern District of Missouri; Thomas Ferguson III for Western District of North Carolina; Ryan Antony Kriegshauser for District of Kansas; James Kruger for Southern District of Mississippi; and Scott Leary for Northern District of Mississippi.
Grassley noted that under his leadership this year, 31 U.S. Attorneys nominated by President Trump have been confirmed—matching the number confirmed during President Biden’s first year in office. Four out of those 31 received blue slips from Democratic senators.
He also addressed changes in confirmation traditions, stating that bipartisan support was once common but has shifted recently due to holds placed by Senate Democrats on all 93 U.S. Attorney nominations from President Trump. In October, Senate Republicans managed to confirm 18 U.S. Attorneys as part of an earlier nominations package.
