Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt attended her first Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where she questioned Pam Bondi, the nominee for Attorney General of the United States. During the session, Britt praised Bondi's extensive experience as a prosecutor and former Florida Attorney General. She highlighted Bondi's success in addressing the opioid epidemic and drug trafficking.

"The United States of America could only be so fortunate if you were confirmed," Britt stated. She emphasized Bondi's qualifications and expressed optimism about her potential impact on the Department of Justice.

Britt also addressed concerns regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). She noted that the immigration court backlog had increased significantly during this administration. "Over the course of the Biden Administration, the immigration court backlog has grown from 1.4 million at the end of 2021 to 3.5 million at the end of 2024," Britt remarked.

She sought Bondi's commitment to reforming EOIR if confirmed as Attorney General. Bondi responded affirmatively, indicating her willingness to work with Britt on these issues.

Britt further raised concerns about the DOJ under outgoing U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, particularly its lack of responsiveness to congressional oversight concerning federal law enforcement at Supreme Court Justices' homes after a draft opinion leak in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

"Section 1507... makes it illegal to picket or parade near a judge’s residence with intent," Britt pointed out, criticizing DOJ's failure to enforce this law.

Britt asked Bondi if she would ensure timely responses to congressional inquiries and work towards understanding why enforcement lapses occurred within DOJ. Bondi assured her commitment to addressing these concerns.

A video of Senator Britt’s full questioning is available online.

This week, Senator Britt sent a letter to Attorney General Garland requesting action to preserve records related to DOJ's enforcement failures regarding 18 U.S.C. §1507 at Justices' homes.