Cruz, Lee want to delay AG confirmation

A pair of Republican senators reiterated their call for postponing a vote on President Obama’s new nominee for attorney general until the new Congress begins, rather than lame-duck session.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have previously said they will oppose non-emergency business when lawmakers return following Tuesday’s election. 

{mosads}”President Obama’s Attorney General nominee deserves fair and full consideration of the United States Senate, which is precisely why she should not be confirmed in the lame duck session of Congress by senators who just lost their seats and are no longer accountable to the voters,” the lawmakers said in a statement. 

The two suggested, however, they could oppose Loretta Lynch’s nomination regardless of the timing based on her position on Obama’s forthcoming executive action on immigration. They said an attorney general must have a “full and complete commitment to the law.”

“Loretta Lynch deserves the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities, beginning with a statement whether or not she believes the President’s executive amnesty plans are constitutional and legal,” they said. 

Republicans are slated to take control of the upper chamber when the new session begins in January. However, lawmakers will return for the final few months of businesses of the current session next week. Democrats have not yet outlined the timing for Lynch’s confirmation. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has also said the nomination should be handled in the next Congress. 

A host of other nominations, a spending bill, and other legislation are already expected to be taken up in the lame duck.