The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday held a hearing on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which was introduced to the upper chamber on Tuesday by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
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Republicans have criticized Clarke as a radical who is anti-police, while Democrats have dismissed GOP opposition as a smear tactic against an eminently qualified civil rights attorney. These attempts to smear Ms. Clarke s record are a last-ditch effort to discredit a nominee with exemplary qualifications, Sen. Dick Durbin
The procedural vote allows the Senate to move forward with a final confirmation vote, which could come within the next week.
Clarke, who in recent years has led the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, would take over the section of the Justice Department tasked with investigating local law enforcement agencies and taking on state voting restrictions around the country.