Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the nomination of Loretta Lynch to be the nation’s 83rd Attorney General. Currently, Ms. Lynch is the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. If confirmed, Lynch would be the nation’s first African-American female, and second African American, to serve as Attorney General.
LDF has strongly endorsed Loretta Lynch’s nomination. In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, LDF stated that Lynch’s experience “growing up in North Carolina amidst the civil rights struggles of the 1960s has provided her with a unique perspective of the challenges our country faces in fulfilling our democratic ideals and of the vital role our federal government plays in ensuring equal justice for all.”
LDF praised Ms. Lynch’s extensive professional accomplishments and noted her bipartisan support from lawyers, law enforcement organizations and civil rights groups.
Ms. Lynch would succeed Attorney General Eric Holder, whom LDF has applauded for leading the Justice Department for six years with “remarkable vison and courage.” LDF is hopeful that Ms. Lynch would continue Attorney General Holder’s important work on reforming federal criminal sentencing, reducing racial bias in policing, and ensuring voting rights for every American.
“At this momentous time for the Department of Justice and for the quest for racial justice in our society, it is imperative that the Department is led by someone with a steadfast commitment to equal justice under the law. We believe Loretta Lynch is uniquely suited to assume this critical role.”
LDF will attend the hearing and will be live tweeting from the hearing room. The hearing will be available for viewing here.
