Senator Patty Murray Plans Block of Trump Federal Prosecutor Pick in Eastern Washington

Pete Serrano, a conservative Republican and former mayor of Pasco, was appointed interim United States attorney for the Eastern District of Washington by the Trump administration and can serve 120 days pending Senate confirmation. However, Washington's senior Democratic Senator Patty Murray opposes his nomination and plans to block his confirmation using the Senate's 'blue slip' process, citing Serrano's extreme right-wing views, his stance on the January 6th insurrection, support for the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, and legal efforts to loosen restrictions on assault weapons. Serrano acknowledged the opposition but intends to continue serving during his interim tenure, which ends in December if not confirmed. The role oversees approximately 79 prosecutors and civil litigators and involves prosecuting federal criminal cases and civil litigation. Senator Murray emphasized that Serrano's views do not align with the people of Washington state and pledged to use all legislative tools to prevent his permanent appointment. The blue slip tradition allows senators from a nominee's home state to effectively veto judicial and federal attorney appointments, a practice President Trump has criticized but which is still upheld by senators across parties.