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Managing America: Courts

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending March 30, 2006

H.R.580 To amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States attorney appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General, and for other purposes.

Current judicial law is changed to improve the lot of United States Attorneys. The bill follows closely behind the current firing of several US Attorneys and the subsequent investigations into those firings. US Attorneys prosecute criminal cases brought by the Federal Government, they prosecute and defend civil cases in which the United States is a party, and they collect debts owed the Federal Government that are administratively uncollectible.

The bill would provide that a US Attorney may serve until a qualified presidential appointee is approved for the slot or 120 days after appointment by the Attorney General.

If an 120 day appointment of a US Attorney expires the Federal district court in that region can appoint a US Attorney until the vacancy is filled.

The bill is identical to a Senate bill on the same subject passed last week.

Sponsor:  Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA-28^th)

Vote: Passed House 329 to 78 March 27, 2007 (RC 189)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this bill.

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## All Rights Reserved. © 2007 TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)

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