RedTracker: Loretta Lynch Confirmed As US Attorney General

Loretta Lynch is now the US Attorney General, making her America’s chief law officers. Lynch is the first African American woman to hold the post.

Lynch was confirmed in the Senate 56 to 43. All Democrats voted for her, along with 10 Republicans: Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Susan Collins (Maine), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Rob Portman (Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.).

Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas), one of Lynch’s loudest critics, was the only senator to miss the vote. Hours earlier, he railed against Lynch for being “unfit” for the job.

‘Today, the Senate finally confirmed Loretta Lynch to be America’s next Attorney General – and America will be better off for it,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “Loretta’s confirmation ensures that we are better positioned to keep our communities safe, keep our nation secure, and ensure that every American experiences justice under the law.’

Lynch assumes her post after serving as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.