Good morning. I’m pleased to hold this nominations hearing for three very well-qualified nominees to three important positions in our government.
Noel Francisco is nominated to be Solicitor General. If he’s confirmed, he’ll be the first ever Asian-American Senate confirmed Solicitor General. Steven Engel is nominated to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel, an office that functions as legal advisor to the President and executive branch agencies. Makan Delrahim is nominated to be the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at DOJ. Makan immigrated to this country when he was 10 and if confirmed, he’ll be the highest ranking Iranian-American official at the Department of Justice.
Of course, Makan served on this Committee as staff director for Senator Hatch so many of us know him well. And as a former Staff Director, he knows what it’s like to sit on the staff bench up here. Today, he’ll learn what it’s like at the witness table.
Congratulations to all of you and to your families and welcome to the Committee.
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