North Columbus News

Senator JD Vance of Ohio is maintaining his position on holding nominees to the Biden administration's Department of Justice. This stance was initially declared in June, following what he described as the DOJ's political prosecution of former President Donald J. Trump.

In response to a recent attempt by Senate Democrats to confirm a controversial DOJ nominee, Senator Vance made several remarks. He stated, "Madam President, reserving the right to object. Let me address a few of my distinguished colleague from Illinois’ comments. First of all, while it is true that my whole policy regarding the Department of Justice is not focused on any particular nominee, I do think this particular nominee is particularly troublesome, and let me just talk about why."

Vance expressed concerns about Ms. Perry, who served as chief ethics officer in the Cook County State Attorney’s Office during the Jussie Smollett case. He questioned her ability to impartially administer justice within the DOJ: "Is this the sort of person who could be trusted to impartially administer justice in the Biden Garland Department of Justice? I don’t think that she is."

He criticized what he sees as a politicized Department of Justice under Merrick Garland and Joe Biden compared to previous administrations: "What is much different about the Trump administration Department of Justice, and the Merrick Garland, Joe Biden Department of Justice is Donald Trump never tried to throw his political opponents in prison."

Vance emphasized his intention to ensure nominees go through regular order for confirmation votes: "What I can do is force us to go through regular order. I ask for a vote, Senator Durbin." He reiterated his commitment against what he perceives as corruption within the DOJ.

Senator Vance's hold policy requires nominees face full Senate confirmation votes rather than being confirmed without debate through unanimous consent.