Jeanine Pirro's path to becoming the next permanent U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia moved a significant step forward when the Senate Judiciary Committee approved her nomination following a dramatic re-do vote, as the Washington Examiner reports
The committee's previous effort to reach a decision was disrupted by a Democrat walkout that left a critical quorum unmet, forcing the Republicans to call for a revote.
During the pending vote, the Judiciary Committee was sharply divided along party lines. Republicans expressed strong support for Pirro's qualifications, while Democrats raised questions about her previous remarks and affiliations, particularly concerning the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol unrest.
The committee convened to revisit Pirro's nomination after its initial attempt failed on July 17. The effort fell apart when Democratic members of the committee staged a walkout, thereby preventing a quorum needed to proceed. After consulting with the Senate parliamentarian, Chairman Chuck Grassley announced the revisit of the vote.
Two other nominations, including that of Erik Siebert for a U.S. attorney post, proceeded with little fanfare, approved via a voice vote. However, Pirro's nomination remained fraught with tension and debate among committee members. The committee ultimately split in a 12-10 party-line decision. While Republicans praised Pirro's capabilities in championing law and order, most Democrats found her record troubling concerning potential bias and impartiality.
The hearing room saw its share of action when protesters vocalized their objection to Pirro's potential confirmation. Their cries appeared to echo the concerns of the Democrat members present. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois was particularly vocal, castigating Pirro for initially condemning the January 6 rioters only to later label the defendants as "political hostages." Durbin and others queried whether Pirro would uphold impartiality in prosecuting such sensitive cases.
Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii similarly took issue with Pirro's past public sector actions and perceived motivation. "This is not someone who cares about crimes of sexual assault and sexual harassment. She is someone who cares about political revenge," Hirono remarked.
Amid the Democrats' opposition, Republican members of the committee united in full support of the nominee. None of the GOP senators present during the hearing voiced objections to advancing Pirro's nomination.
Pirro's track record in political and media roles often drew ire from her critics, who believed her positions on crucial matters like the 2020 election and civil unrest during protests could cloud her judgment. These concerns were pivotal to the Democrat strategies outlined in their opposition.
With the Senate Judiciary Committee's approval, Pirro is now positioned one step closer to a confirmation vote in the full Senate. The Democratic bloc is expected to follow through in its critical stance, likely requiring at least one Republican to side with them to potentially block the nomination.
Pirro's predecessor, Matthew Graves, handled numerous Jan. 6-related prosecutions, a fact raised in deliberations by both parties to underscore the gravity of her future role should she be confirmed. There remains a looming question of how upcoming Senate discussions will unfold in light of these contentious debates. The coming full Senate vote remains the crucial point at which Pirro's nomination will either be solidified or halted.
Democrats' current strategy appears to hinge on persuading at least one colleague across the aisle. Republicans, led by chair Chuck Grassley, expressed confidence in advancing the nomination to a favorable conclusion. Yet, the final hurdle remains for Pirro as she and her supporters brace for the full Senate ordeal.
Ultimately, the evolving political landscape and Senate dynamics will determine whether Pirro achieves the role of permanent U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, amid one of the more contentious nominee hearings of recent times.
