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Senate Judiciary Committee Delays Review Of Rachael Rollins' Nomination For Mass. U.S. Attorney

Rachael Rollins, speaking Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the gates of the Massachusetts State House. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
Rachael Rollins, speaking Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the gates of the Massachusetts State House. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Update: The Senate Judiciary Committee's chair, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), said Thursday morning that the nomination of Rachael Rollins for U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts will be reviewed next week because Republican committee members requested a postponement.


On Thursday, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to take up the nomination of Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins as the next U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.

Rollins is among 14 nominees for U.S. attorney and federal judge positions before the committee. If a nominee is voted out, a committee member can request to hold the nominee over for another week or request a roll call vote.

A wide-ranging group of current and former public officials wrote letters to the committee in support of Rollins' nomination on Wednesday.

Former U.S. Attorney and Republican Gov. Bill Weld wrote that Rollins is "perfectly positioned to serve as a benevolent change agent in federal law enforcement."

State Attorney General Maura Healey wrote that Rollins "brings a valuable perspective and commitment to reforming a criminal justice system that has failed far too many."

Others who have written on Rollins' behalf include Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason, former Gov. Deval Patrick, acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory Long, Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes and former U.S. Attorney Donald Stern.

Some have criticized Rollins for seeking alternatives to arresting people for minor crimes that are often the result of mental health or substance use issues and being known as a "progressive prosecutor."

Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren forwarded Rollins name to the committee for consideration.

If confirmed, Rollins would replace Andrew Lelling as Massachusetts U.S. Attorney. Lelling, appointed by former president Trump, stepped down earlier this year.

This article was originally published on September 22, 2021.

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Deborah Becker Host/Reporter
Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.

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