Durbin holds up Florida US attorney nominee as battle over DOJ picks grows
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., made it clear during the Senate’s first judicial nominee hearing of the year that he was holding up at least one of President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice nominees. Durbin stated that he had a hold on one nominee from Florida, specifically Jason Reding Quinones, Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. attorney’s office in the Southern District of Florida. Durbin emphasized that his actions were not personal but rather a matter of finding a fair and bipartisan solution that both political parties could adhere to.
The Illinois Democrat’s decision to block Quinones’ nomination was prompted by Vice President JD Vance’s announcement of a hold on DOJ nominees in 2023. Vance had declared that he would not lift his hold until then-Attorney General Merrick Garland ceased \”going after his political opponents,\” referencing federal prosecutions of Trump. Durbin’s threat to obstruct more of Trump’s picks for U.S. attorney positions cast a shadow over the committee hearing, which featured five nominees for federal judge positions.
The practice of using holds to object to nominations can significantly hinder the confirmation process as it prevents senators from voting on nominees through the usual unanimous consent process. Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, expressed disagreement with Vance’s decision but noted that it was distinct from Durbin’s actions. He stressed that holds should be used selectively and warned that public safety could be compromised if U.S. attorney positions remained vacant due to obstruction.
Durbin acknowledged Grassley’s concerns and signaled his willingness to negotiate with Republicans over the Florida nominee. He indicated that a resolution would involve adhering to the Vance precedent and moving forward with the confirmation process. However, Durbin’s hold is not the only obstacle facing Trump’s nominees, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voiced opposition to Patrick Davis’ nomination for assistant attorney general for the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Schumer criticized the DOJ for being unresponsive to inquiries about a luxury plane gifted to the Trump administration by Qatar and declared his refusal to allow Davis’ nomination to proceed. Grassley fired back at Schumer, questioning why the DOJ should be expected to be responsive to Congress when Democrats obstruct Trump’s nominees who are responsible for answering their letters.
In conclusion, the confirmation process for Trump’s DOJ nominees faces challenges due to holds placed by senators like Durbin and opposition from Democrats like Schumer. The need for bipartisan cooperation and adherence to established precedents is essential to ensure the timely filling of crucial government positions and maintain the functioning of the justice system.
