On a Bipartisan Basis, Senate Judiciary Committee Advances the Nomination of Merrick Garland to be Attorney General

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to be the next U.S. Attorney General by a bipartisan vote of 15-7.  Ahead of the vote, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, argued that Judge Garland is the right leader to restore integrity and the rule of law in the Justice Department and combat domestic terrorism and systemic racism following four tumultuous years under the previous administration.

“He [Judge Garland] is a man of extraordinary qualifications.  His life has been dedicated to public service and advancing values that are vital to the Justice Department’s functioning—integrity, independence, fidelity to the rule of law, and a commitment to equal justice for all,” Durbin said.  “The nation needs this kind of selflessness in a nominee.  America will be better with this kind of person leading the Justice Department.  I am proud to be supporting Judge Garland and I hope all my colleagues will join me in doing the same.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

Every Democratic member of the Committee voted to advance Judge Garland’s nomination, along with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

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