Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expressed his concerns following the Senate's confirmation of Harmeet Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division and D. John Sauer as Solicitor General of the United States. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin underscored the grave responsibilities that come with these roles.

"The Civil Rights Division—often called the ‘crown jewel’ of the Justice Department—enforces landmark laws that prohibit discrimination and protect the right to vote. And it is the duty of the head of this Division to protect the civil rights of every American. I cannot and will not support a nominee whose record suggests she is more likely to attack civil rights than defend them," Durbin stated.

Durbin also addressed concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Sauer. "And it is the Solicitor General’s duty to represent the U.S. government before the Supreme Court as an apolitical lawyer. Yet, Mr. Sauer has failed to unequivocally state that all parties should comply with court orders or to commit to recusing himself from pending matters in which he represented President Trump as his personal attorney."

The senator pointed out that both nominees have histories involving legal work for President Trump. "Both Ms. Dhillon and Mr. Sauer are part of the growing list of the President’s personal lawyers who have been nominated for senior Justice Department roles. I do not believe that they will put the American people’s interests above President Trump’s."

Durbin expressed disappointment that his Republican colleagues did not oppose the nominations: "For these reasons, and more, I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues could not muster the courage to join me in opposing these nominees."

According to the statement, Ms. Dhillon's law firm has represented President Trump and his campaigns, earning over $8 million in legal fees. Meanwhile, Mr. Sauer continues to represent the President in ongoing legal appeals, including those related to cases filed by E. Jean Carroll and a significant fraud case judgment.