New attorney general
You're referring to the recent appointment of a new Attorney General in the United States!
As of February 2021, Merrick Garland has been confirmed as the 86th Attorney General of the United States. He was nominated by President Joe Biden and took office on March 11, 2021.
Here are a few key facts about Merrick Garland:
- Background: Garland is a former judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, serving from 1997 to 2021. He was also a nominee for the Supreme Court in 2016, but his nomination was blocked by Senate Republicans.
- Experience: Garland has extensive experience in the legal field, having served as a prosecutor, a judge, and a lawyer in private practice. He has also worked on high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
- Priorities: As Attorney General, Garland has stated that his priorities will include addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, combating domestic terrorism, and promoting civil rights and civil liberties. He has also emphasized the importance of restoring the independence and integrity of the Department of Justice.
- Confirmation process: Garland's confirmation process was relatively smooth, with the Senate voting 70-30 in his favor. He was confirmed by a bipartisan majority, with several Republican senators voting in favor of his nomination.
As Attorney General, Merrick Garland will play a crucial role in shaping the Department of Justice's policies and priorities, as well as overseeing federal law enforcement and criminal investigations.