In sy opening statement, Garland will promise to oversee the prosecution of the rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 and will describe the uprising as a ‘horrific attack that sought to disrupt a cornerstone of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected government. ”
While the government in Biden is clearly keen to show Garland’s law enforcement evidence, officials are also trying to be mindful of the racial justice protests that erupted last year and renewed activism against police abuse. The judge intends to declare, according to the prepared text, that the application of civil rights laws is central to the Department of Justice.
“The mission remains urgent because we do not yet have equal justice,” Garland said. “Colored communities and other minorities are still facing discrimination in housing, education, employment and the criminal justice system and bear the brunt of the damage caused by pandemics, pollution and climate change. ”
It seems that parts of Garland’s statement were intended to allay concerns among Republicans who have argued about abuse in the oversight process that came to light in the investigation into the ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, while other parts sound such as uncovered criticism of the way the Department of Justice operates. under former President Donald Trump.
Garland will pledge to “enforce policies that protect the department’s independence from biased influence in law enforcement investigations” and “policies that set guidelines for the FBI’s domestic operations and the collection of foreign information.”
There are also calls for proper treatment of the press, broader disclosure of government records in terms of the Freedom of Information Act and for a respectful approach to DOJ’s career staff. The latter mention seems to be a sort of version of the remarks of Attorney General William Barr last year, which many in the Department of Justice saw as a decrease in career prosecutors.
Biden proposes Garland as his choice to head the Department of Justice on January 7th. While the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tried to proceed quickly with the nomination, the composition of the Senate committees remained in limbo for weeks while the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN. Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Worked out an organizing resolution for control of the House of Representatives.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the leading Republican on the Judiciary Committee, reached an agreement with Durbin earlier this month to make an exception to the committee’s 28-day time frame between receiving the paperwork and the trial. of the candidate. The vote for Garland’s committee is scheduled for March 1.
Although Senate Republicans blocked Garland’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016, several GOP lawmakers have made positive comments about the judge and he is expected to receive broad dual support for the attorney general.
The Department of Justice also announced Garland’s approvals from civil rights groups and from police organizations on Saturday. Although the letters Garland backed from liberal advocates for racial justice were widely expected, some of the promises of support from law enforcement were more surprising, although many in the community enjoyed long-standing ties with Biden.
Among those who place their weight behind Garland is the Fraternal Order of Police, which Donald Trump endorsed in 2016 and last year.
“During his tenure as federal prosecutor and federal judge, Judge Garland has shown a keen legal attitude, a reputation for fairness and honesty, and respect for law enforcement.” FOP President Patrick Yoes wrote. ‘While we expect to have serious disagreements on certain issues, based on his character and commitment to civil service and law enforcement, we are cautious, but hopeful, that we will be able to build a working relationship with Judge Garland. he is confirmed. ”