The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Wednesday to advance Pam Bondi’s nomination as U.S. Attorney General to the full Senate, a decision that has been widely anticipated. This vote clears the path for what is expected to be a decisive confirmation vote later this week.

A Divided Committee Vote

Bondi, who served as Florida’s Attorney General, secured the unanimous support of the committee’s 12 Republican members, while all 10 Democrats voted against her nomination. This partisan split reflects the broader political divide within the Senate as her confirmation approaches.

Background and Experience

Bondi has made a name for herself through her firm stance on combating drug abuse, violent crime, and the operation of so-called “pill mills” in Florida. Her extensive experience as a prosecutor in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for 18 years has been cited as essential preparation for her potential role as the chief U.S. law enforcement officer.

Bipartisan Support from Former Officials

In addition to garnering support from Republicans, Bondi’s nomination has received endorsements from over 110 former senior Justice Department officials. This list includes multiple former attorneys general and various state attorneys general from both political parties, praising her dedication to her work and her ability to work across ideological lines.

These supporters have characterized Bondi as an experienced and motivating prosecutor whose track record indicates she has the potential to foster consensus rather than division.

Confirmation Hearing Insights

During her confirmation hearing, Bondi emphasized her goal of restoring integrity within the Justice Department. She declared, “The partisanship, the weaponization will be gone. America will have one tier of justice for all.” This assertion has prompted varying responses from both sides of the political aisle, leading to questions about her ability to implement such a vision amid the political turbulence of the current administration.

A Turbulent Political Climate

The environment surrounding the confirmation vote is distinctly different from two weeks ago when Bondi first testified. Since taking office, President Trump has removed more than 15 inspectors general from federal agencies and enacted significant changes within the Department of Justice. These actions have raised concerns among Democrats regarding the integrity and independence of the Justice Department under Bondi’s supervision.

Moreover, Democrats have voiced apprehension about Bondi’s willingness to pursue investigations into political adversaries, intensifying scrutiny on her capability to operate as an impartial Attorney General in an increasingly divisive political landscape.

Bondi’s Approach to Law Enforcement

Throughout her extensive confirmation hearing—which lasted more than five hours—Bondi reassured the committee of her commitment to tackling pressing issues related to violent crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. She expressed her intention to implement strategies that prioritize the rule of law and public safety, independent of political pressure.

Expectations for the Future

If confirmed, Bondi’s former colleagues expect her to carry the same tactics she utilized in Florida to the national stage. They anticipate she will focus efforts on combating drug trafficking, particularly the rampant use of fentanyl, alongside addressing the major cartels responsible for drug smuggling along the southern border.

In a revealing interview, Democratic opponent Dave Aronberg expressed astonishment when Bondi reached out to him following her election win, inviting him to be her drug czar. He noted her history of overcoming political pressure during her later tenure as Florida Attorney General, highlight the controversies she had to navigate, including appointing a Democrat to a high-ranking office.

A Call for Focus on Critical Issues

Aronberg emphasized that Bondi’s determined approach to law enforcement has instilled hope for her potential tenure as Attorney General. He cited her previous willingness to confront political challenges and her commitment to pressing issues, which include the ongoing drug crisis, human trafficking, and the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the country—topics that may not align with popular political positions.