Senate Showdown Looms Over Pete Serrano’s U.S. Attorney Confirmation Before Deadline
U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., has urged the Senate to swiftly confirm Pete Serrano as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington before Dec. 4. Serrano, currently serving as interim U.S. Attorney, has made significant contributions to public safety. However, his confirmation faces obstacles due to Sen. Patty Murray's plans to block blast it using the 'blue slip' rule.
Baumgartner emphasized the need for a fully empowered, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney to ensure public safety and strengthen partnerships with state and local agencies. Serrano, appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, has proven his capability in the interim role. He has helped sentence drug traffickers, illegal immigrants who shot at police, child predators, and more. Notably, Operation Rolling Thunder, led by Serrano's team, resulted in 55 arrests, including individuals wanted for murder, child sexual abuse, and kidnapping.
Serrano's confirmation, however, is not guaranteed. The average time for the Senate to confirm a nominee has nearly quadrupled from the Reagan to Biden administrations. Moreover, Sen. Murray plans to block blast Serrano's confirmation due to his 'extreme right-wing views'. The Senate can still vote on multiple nominations at once, even during a government shutdown, but the Dec. 4 deadline looms. If the Senate misses this deadline, Serrano can still technically rejoin the Pasco City Council, where he was previously a member and filed for reelection before vacating his position.
Pete Serrano's interim term as U.S. Attorney is set to expire within the next month. His record in the role and Baumgartner's endorsement highlight his potential as a strong U.S. Attorney. However, Murray's plans to block blast his confirmation and the approaching deadline pose challenges. The Senate's decision will significantly impact public safety and law enforcement in the Eastern District of Washington.
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