Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has expressed strong concerns over the confirmation of Aaron Reitz as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy. The Senate confirmed President Trump's nominee through a party-line vote, raising questions about the implications for the rule of law.

Durbin voiced his apprehension regarding Reitz’s perspective on the authority of federal court orders. During Reitz’s hearing, Durbin asked whether an elected official should be permitted to defy a federal court order, to which Reitz replied, “there is no hard and fast rule about whether in every instance a public official is bound by a court decision.” This answer alarmed Durbin, who remarked, “I was appalled to hear these words come out of the mouth of a nominee aspiring to hold a key role at the Justice Department.”

Highlighting the perceived threat to the judicial system, Durbin accused the Trump Administration of undermining the system of checks and balances, pushing the bounds of executive power, and eroding the judiciary's authority. He stated, “Mr. Reitz has made clear his intent to aid the President in pursuing this agenda, regardless of whether it is in accordance with judicial orders.”

Durbin emphasized the importance of nominees committing to uphold federal court orders, asserting, “Failing to unequivocally commit to following federal court orders should be disqualifying for any nominee before the Senate.” He expressed disappointment that Republican colleagues did not share his view.

All Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted against Reitz's nomination earlier in the month.