Blumenthal Statement on Reported Nomination of Merrick Garland to be Attorney General

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Judge Merrick Garland to be Attorney General. President-elect Biden will also reportedly nominate Lisa Monaco as Deputy Attorney General; Vanita Gupta, head of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, as Associate Attorney General; and Kristen Clarke, the founder of Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

“As Attorney General, Merrick Garland would help restore integrity, professionalism, and creditability to the Department of Justice. At a time when we face unprecedented threats to our national security, Lisa Monaco brings critical and deep expertise and experience to the role of Deputy Attorney General. I’m thrilled to see two outstanding civil rights champions – Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke – named to top leadership positions at the helm of an exciting and impressive team that will advance social and racial justice.”

“One of the major challenges facing the incoming Biden-Harris Administration is rebuilding faith and trust in our federal justice system. After four years of cronyism and corruption, it’s a daunting task, but I am confident this strong team can tackle it.”

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