This was about five minutes. Ag garland good afternoon, im here to announce david weiss as special counsel consistent with the department of justice of regulation governing such matters. I have notified in february, 20 18, after being nominated by former president and being confirmed by the senate, mr. Weiss was torn sworn in, he had been a career prosecutor having served previously in the office for more than a decade. Beginning in 2019, mr. Weiss in his capacity as u. S. Attorney and federal Law Enforcement partners began investigating allegations of certain criminal conduct by among others, Robert Hunter biden. That has been recently referenced in federal criminal proceedings and as noted in those proceedings and other public settings, that investigation remains ongoing. In february, 2021, u. S. Attorney weiss was asked to remain and in that capacity continue to lead the investigation. Mr. Weiss would be permitted to take any investigative steps he wanted and make the decision whether to prosecute in any district. He has been granted ultimate authority over this matter including responsibility for deciding when, where, and whether to file charges in making decisions necessary to preserve the integrity necessary consistent with federal law, the principles of federal prosecution, and departmental policies. In a july, 2023 letter to congress, mr. Weiss said he had not requested a special counsel designation. On tuesday of this week mr. Weiss advised me that in his judgment the investigation had reached the state at which he could continue his work as a special counsel and he asked to be appointed. Upon considering his request, the extraordinary circumstances related to this matter, i have concluded it is in the Public Interest to appoint him a special counsel. This appointment confirms my commitment to provide mr. Weiss with all the resources he requests. It reaffirms mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and take the steps he deems appropriate independently based only on the facts and the law. Mr. Weiss will serve as u. S. Attorney of district of delaware. As special counsel, he will continue to have the authority and responsibility that he previously exercised to oversee the investigation and decide where, when, and whether to file charges. Special counsel will not be subject to daytoday supervision by the department but must comply with procedures and policies of the department. Consistent with the special counsel regulations and the conclusion of mr. Weiss work, he will provide me with a report with the declaration decisions reached by him. As with each special counsel who has served since i have taken office, i am committed to taking as much work public as possible. Todays announcement affords the prosecutors, agents, analysts working on this matter the ability to proceed with their work expeditiously and make decisions indisputably guided only from the facts and law. The men and women undertaking this investigation are Public Servants who have dedicated their careers to protecting citizens of this country. The appointment of mr. Weiss, the department is committed to both independence and accountability to particularly sensitive matters. I am confident mr. Weiss will carry out his responsibility in an urgent manner in accordance with the highest traditions of this department. Thank you. [multiple reporters speaking] do you still have confidence in mr. Weiss after the deal fell apart . Hiyears National Book festival bins today in the library of congress, featured authors wl be there to start stities. Live coverage of the opening ceremonies begins at 7 00 p. M. Eastern on cspa and online at the span. Org. Looked tv celebrates 25 years of nonfiction books and authors. Book tv is live at the library of congress National Book festival. Since 2001 book tv, in partnership with the library of congress as provided indepth, uninterrupted coverage of the National Book festival featuring nonfiction authors and guests. Tv once again brings you live coverage of the National Book festival, authors include carla hayden, and former nfl player rk russell. See our complete schedule online at book tv. Org. The library of congress National Book festival Live Saturday beginning at 9 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan2. Congress returns from its summer recess, both the house and senate are expected to take up federal spending bills funding the government through next year to preve ahutdown. Current gerent funding expires on september 30. They are facing end of the month deadlines for the faa pandemic preparedness program. More on president bidens executive nominations including for the federal reserve. 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