WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after meeting with Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s intended nominee to be U.S. Attorney General:
“In today’s meeting, I raised concerns with Ms. Bondi regarding her record—one in which she served as a personal attorney to President-elect Trump, was a leader in the effort to overturn the 2020 election, and has echoed the President-elect’s calls for prosecuting his political opponents. In addition, Ms. Bondi has a long track record of opposing fundamental civil rights, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
“The role of the Attorney General is to oversee an independent Justice Department that upholds the rule of law and is free of undue political influence. Given Ms. Bondi’s responses to my questions, I remain concerned about her ability to serve as an Attorney General who will put her oath to the Constitution ahead of her fealty to Donald Trump.
“The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on this nomination. We must review all the information necessary to fulfill this duty, including an FBI background investigation, and we must continue to examine Ms. Bondi’s record and qualifications thoroughly. When she does come before the Judiciary Committee, I hope we will learn more about Ms. Bondi, her nomination, and her vision for the Department of Justice. The American people deserve an Attorney General who will protect their fundamental rights, demonstrate independence and integrity, and remain faithful to the Constitution, the country, and the rule of law above all.”
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