By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/senate-narrowly-confirms-new-head-of-justice-departments-criminal-division-who-worked-for-russian-bank Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Senate narrowly confirms new head of Justice Department’s criminal division, who worked for Russian bank Politics Jul 11, 2018 4:14 PM EDT WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department’s criminal division. Brian Benczkowski was narrowly confirmed with a 51-48 vote. Democrats have strongly opposed the nomination, partly because of his work for a leading Russian bank with ties to President Vladimir Putin. Democrats say his Russian ties could complicate special counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Democrats also said Benczkowski does not have enough experience in federal courtrooms. Benczkowski was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis law firm and Justice Department official during the Bush administration. He also served as an aide to then-Sen. Jeff Sessions. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department’s criminal division. Brian Benczkowski was narrowly confirmed with a 51-48 vote. Democrats have strongly opposed the nomination, partly because of his work for a leading Russian bank with ties to President Vladimir Putin. Democrats say his Russian ties could complicate special counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Democrats also said Benczkowski does not have enough experience in federal courtrooms. Benczkowski was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis law firm and Justice Department official during the Bush administration. He also served as an aide to then-Sen. Jeff Sessions. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now