10.07.21

Judiciary Committee Advances Nominations Of Rahul Gupta & Elizabeth Prelogar

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the nominations of Rahul Gupta, to be Director of National Drug Control Policy, and Elizabeth Prelogar, to be Solicitor General of the United States. Durbin delivered opening remarks highlighting the nominees’ qualifications and experience. Gupta received a voice vote and Prelogar received a bipartisan 13-9 vote to advance out of Committee.

Key quotes:

“Dr. Gupta would be the first medical doctor to serve in [this] position, and he is certainly qualified. Among his extensive medical and public health experience, Dr. Gupta led West Virginia’s response to the opioid crisis. His leadership helped the state turn the corner in fighting this devastating epidemic… Dr. Gupta will serve our nation well as Director of National Drug Control Policy, and I look forward to supporting his nomination.”

“Ms. Prelogar is, quite simply, an outstanding appellate advocate. She has argued nine cases in the Supreme Court and filed hundreds of merits briefs, amicus briefs, and petitions for cert. And while her credentials are impeccable and her advocacy record impressive, what stands out even more about Ms. Prelogar is her commitment to providing unbiased legal advice, her dedication to safeguarding the role of career attorneys within the [Justice] Department, and her demonstrated ability to advance legal arguments separate and apart from her own beliefs.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

-30-