February 23, 2021

Duckworth, Durbin Statement on Justice Department Decision to Retain U.S. Attorney John Lausch

 

[WASHINGTON D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after it was reported that the Biden Justice Department will retain John Lausch as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois until his successor is confirmed.  Duckworth and Durbin first voiced their desire to retain Mr. Lausch until his successor is confirmed in November 2020.  On February 9, they wrote a letter to the President renewing this request.

“We are pleased the Biden Administration is acting on our request to retain U.S. Attorney Lausch until his successor is confirmed by the Senate.  Mr. Lausch has served with professionalism and without partisanship.  While the President has the right to remove U.S. Attorneys, there is precedent for U.S. Attorneys in the Northern District of Illinois to remain in office to conclude sensitive investigations.  After our repeated calls, we appreciate that Mr. Lausch will be given this opportunity.”

In August 2017, the non-partisan screening committee set up by Duckworth and Durbin to assist them in evaluating candidates for vacant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal, and federal judgeship positions in Illinois recommended Mr. Lausch to serve as the next United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  He was unanimously confirmed by voice vote in the Senate on November 9, 2017.

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