We are chagrined to say we missed this, but the Senate confirmed Ron Weich to head the DOJ’s Office of Legislative Affairs yesterday. But it was easy to miss: the nomination was approved by unanimous consent, with no drama.
Here is the statement Weich’s now-former boss, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), gave on the Senate floor after the nomination was confirmed:
Mr. REID. Mr. President, before I turn this over to Senator Durbin to close, I want to say a word or two about this nomination we just completed. That is the nomination of Ron Weich.
I know Ron has waited with his family for a long time to get this done, but I have tremendously mixed emotions. A part of me was saying: I wish maybe
He is going to lead the Justice Department regarding legislative affairs. He has had prosecutorial experience and Government experience. I know and respect all he has done to strengthen our national security, forward the cause of justice, and raise the ethics standards of our Government and in the whole country. In fact, Ron took a lead role in the last Congress, as we passed the most sweeping ethics and lobbying reforms in the history of our Congress and our country.
Those who know and work with Ron value not only his extensive experience but just the person he is. I express my appreciation to Ron Weich for his sound judgment, his collegiality, his honesty, and loyalty to me. Eric Holder will find the same there.
While many of his colleagues from Columbia University and Yale Law School, where he was educated, are out in the private sector making a lot of money, Ron has spent most of his life in public service. He came back to the Senate after having been in a renowned law firm downtown. But he came back because this is what he wants to do. He is able to make enough money to raise his family. He is not interested in how much money he makes. He is interested in what good he can do for our country.
Our Nation benefits immensely when people as good at what they do as Ron is–and as good to others as Ron is–choose to make a difference.
As I have indicated, I am sad to see him leave this Capitol complex. I am comforted by knowing that Ron will play an important role in rebuilding Attorney General Holder’s Justice Department to a place where all are once again equal under the law, protected by the law, and no one is above the law.
