In a 70-30 Senate vote, Merrick Garland has been confirmed as U.S. attorney general. This marks the largest margin of confirmation since Eric Holder, who garnered 75 votes when confirmed.
Garland has stated that his “first priority” will be an investigation into the United States Capitol riot. He also stated, “I am not the president’s lawyer…My job is to protect the Department of Justice.”
He is now the 86th attorney general of the United States, after being sworn in.