Sessions uses executive authority to appoint interim U.S. attorneys

Source: NBC News




JAN 3 2018, 4:27 PM ET

by JONATHAN DIENST and TRACY CONNOR

With a deadline looming, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is using executive authority to name 17 interim U.S. attorneys in cities from coast to coast.

Seven of the prosecutors have been serving as acting U.S. attorneys since President Donald Trump axed dozens of the lead federal prosecutors in March, but there's a 300-day limit on that status. The other 10 will replace a current acting prosecutor, who gets bounced back to their old job.

Trump now has 120 days to submit nominations for the permanent positions to the Senate — or else the federal court in that district will make a temporary appointment until the White House and lawmakers from each state can agree on the selections.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has named 17 interim U.S. attorneys. Brendan McDermid / Reuters
A source familiar with the process said some senators have not yet signed off on the candidates Trump supports in their state, which has contributed to delays in officially nominating them.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sessions-uses-executive-authority-appoint-interim-u-s-attorneys-n834446