The Senate on March 10 confirmed Merrick Garland as attorney general in a 70–30 vote, with 20 Republicans joining all Democrats in approving President Joe Biden’s pick.
The nomination came about five years after Garland’s failed nomination to the Supreme Court by then-President Barack Obama. At the time, the Senate, which was controlled by Republicans, denied Garland a hearing or a vote. Garland has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Court since 1997.