AFJ Encourages Swift Confirmation Of Merrick Garland As Attorney General

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 6, 2021 – President-elect Joe Biden announced today his intention to nominate Merrick Garland to serve as the next attorney general of the United States. Other leadership selections include Lisa Monaco as deputy attorney general, Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general, and Kristen Clarke as assistant attorney general for civil rights. AFJ supports the swift confirmation of these highly qualified nominees.

Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron released the following statement:

“There is so much damage to repair at the Department of Justice. From the blatantly discriminatory policies Jeff Sessions enacted to the corruption Bill Barr enabled, the Trump administration has eroded the rule of law, prosecutorial independence, and proper enforcement of some of our nation’s most important protections. Fortunately, Judge Garland represents exactly the kind of values that will put the Department back on track to uphold the rule of law and protect our civil rights and liberties.

Judge Garland has served our justice system capably for decades, receiving bipartisan praise throughout his career. He will be prepared on his first day as attorney general to begin reversing the travesties of the Trump administration and rededicate the office to protecting the rights of the American people instead of a corrupt president. Lisa Monaco, Vanita Gupta, and Kristen Clarke are likewise incredibly qualified to restore integrity to the department. AFJ looks forward to working with them to advancing the cause of justice.

The Senate should waste no time confirming Garland as attorney general and these other prominent appointees. The sooner we can restore the integrity of the Justice Department, the better.”