Grassley, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that the committee today voted to move the nominations for consideration by the full Senate.
Larson is the nominee for U.S. Attorney in Iowa's northern district and Colloton is the nominee for Iowa's southern district. Larson served as U.S. attorney in the northern district of Iowa from 1986 to 1993. He is currently chairman of the Iowa Board of Parole. Colloton, a partner at the Belin Law Firm in Des Moines, served as assistant U.S. attorney in Iowa's northern district from 1991 to 1994 and 1996 to 1999.
"It's critical now, perhaps more than ever before, that we have U.S. attorneys to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes against the federal government. Both Charles Larson, Sr. and Steve Colloton are extremely qualified for these jobs. They are fully equipped to serve Iowans in these key positions," Grassley said.
Grassley nominated Larson and Colloton for U.S. attorney positions in April. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Grassley has repeatedly urged prompt action by the Senate on nominees for federal law enforcement and judicial positions. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Minority Leader Trent Lott, Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch, Grassley said pending nominations should be considered in a bipartisan manner before Congress adjourns this fall.
"America's fight against terrorism has underscored the importance of federal law enforcement positions," Grassley said. "I'm pleased the Senate is moving forward with these nominations. We need to have everyone on the job and fully equipped to enhance our national security."
Grassley said he is hopeful that the Senate will consider these nominations as soon as possible.