CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., intends to vote to confirm William Barr as the next attorney general.
Capito spoke highly of Barr — who previously served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush — following a meeting between the two on Thursday.
“It’s clear to me that Mr. Barr is unfazed by political pressure and believes profoundly in an independent Justice Department dedicated to upholding the laws of our country,” she said. ” intend to support his nomination and look forward to working together, particularly on issues concerning opioids and other efforts to keep Americans safe.”
Matthew Whitaker currently serves as acting attorney general, a position he took after Jeff Sessions’ forced resignation in November. President Donald Trump nominated Barr the following month.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and 20 other state attorneys general sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee this month in support of Barr’s nomination.