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Managing America: Courts

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Week Ending March 16, 2006

S.214 A bill to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to preserve the independence of United States attorneys.

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.

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 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 would apply to any US Attorney serving in the office one day before this bill is enacted and who was appointed by the Attorney General.

Sponsor:  Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Vote: Passed Senate 94 to 2 March 20, 2007 (RV 81)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this bill

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MORE INFORMATION

AMENDMENTS

Amdt 459 Senator John Kyl (R-AZ)to ensure that United States attorneys are promptly nominated by the President, and are appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Rejected:
By 40 yeas to 56 nays (Vote No. 79), Kyl Amendment No. 459,

Amdt 460 Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
 Sessions Amendment No. 460, to require appropriate qualifications for interim United States attorneys.

Rejected By 47 yeas to 50 nays (Vote No. 80),

Pending:
Kyl Amendment No. 459, to ensure that United States attorneys are promptly nominated by the President, and are appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Pages S3251-53

Sessions Amendment No. 460, to require appropriate qualifications for interim United States attorneys.

Pages S3153-66

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No reproduction, language translation or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)