Senate panel approves Bondi for attorney general

By Niina H. Farah | 01/29/2025 01:42 PM EST

The Judiciary Committee advanced the nominee along party lines.

Pam Bondi, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill Jan. 15, 2025.

Pam Bondi, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month. Francis Chung/POLITICO

Pam Bondi, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Justice Department, cleared a key hurdle Wednesday to secure Senate confirmation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Bondi for attorney general. It’s unclear when the full Senate will take her up.

If confirmed, the former prosecutor and Florida attorney general will play a leading role in defending Trump’s efforts to roll back climate, energy efficiency and environmental regulations.

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Her nomination sparked controversy in part because of her role as Trump’s defense attorney during his Senate impeachment trial in his first term in office.

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