Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing concerning the nominations of three individuals for executive roles within the Justice Department. The nominees are Patrick Davis, John Eisenberg, and Brett Shumate, nominated to lead the Office of Legislative Affairs, National Security Division, and Civil Division respectively.

In his address, Durbin expressed concern over recent criticisms directed at the federal judiciary by President Trump and his supporters. He stated: “Last week, President Trump called for the impeachment of a federal judge simply because he ruled against the Administration… The President was not alone. Elon Musk...has demanded the impeachment of federal judges dozens of times.”

Durbin highlighted what he sees as threats posed by these actions to judicial independence: “We cannot afford to wait and see if this President formally announces he will defy a court order. We must respond to this dangerous attack on our courts and judges now.” He further noted that such rhetoric has led to increased threats against judges: “The danger posed by the Trump Administration’s attack on the judiciary is not abstract… This is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.”

Durbin criticized Attorney General Bondi and other officials for their perceived loyalty to the President over constitutional principles: “Unfortunately, Attorney General Bondi and other officials at [the] Justice [Department] have repeatedly shown that they will not defend the separation of powers.”

On national security concerns within the department, Durbin remarked: “Since the start of this Administration, every senior career National Security Division official has been removed from their position.” Regarding nominee John Eisenberg, he expressed hope that Eisenberg would prioritize national interests over personal allegiances.

He also mentioned oversight issues with Patrick Davis's nomination: “I have sent more than 20 oversight requests to the Trump Administration. I have yet to receive a single meaningful response...”

Durbin criticized Brett Shumate’s past legal arguments defending controversial executive orders: “[Mr. Shumate] claimed any judicial order blocking it would be ‘wildly inappropriate.’ His words.”

Concluding his remarks, Durbin emphasized concerns about maintaining an independent Justice Department critical for public safety and rights protection.