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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 8065· 119th Congress

Give Attorney General More Power Over U.S. Attorneys

Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026

Sponsor
Derek Schmidt (R-KS)
Introduced
Mar 24, 2026
Last Action
Mar 26, 2026
Passage
38%
Introduced
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
Mar 26, 2026
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Removes courts' ability to appoint U.S. Attorneys after the 120-day interim period expires.
  • Lets the Attorney General make multiple back-to-back 120-day interim appointments with no court override.
  • Keeps the current requirement that permanent U.S. Attorneys must be Senate-confirmed for four-year terms.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Executive branch gains more control over federal prosecutors; limits judicial role in filling vacancies.
  • Senate confirmation power weakens because positions can stay filled by interim appointees indefinitely.
  • Could let presidents keep preferred prosecutors in place without Senate approval during confirmation delays.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill passed committee 12-11 on March 26, now heads to full House floor for debate and vote.
  • Faces partisan divide: passed along party lines with no bipartisan cosponsors, signaling tough floor fight.
  • Contact your House representative to share your position before floor vote.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Mar 26, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 11.
  • Mar 26, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Mar 24, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Mar 24, 2026Introduced in House
  • Mar 24, 2026Introduced in House