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Courts Block DOJ From Acting U.S. Attorneys Roles

8/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2nd and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals ruled the DOJ cannot bypass Senate confirmation by changing titles.
The rulings barred Sigal Chattah, Nevada’s acting U.S. attorney, from the position.
The rulings also barred John Sarcone III, New York’s acting U.S. attorney, from the position.
The DOJ disagrees, will appeal, and cites the 1998 Federal Vacancy Reform Act’s appointment requirement.

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Story summary

The 2nd and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals ruled the DOJ cannot bypass Senate confirmation by changing titles.
The rulings barred Sigal Chattah, Nevada’s acting U.S. attorney, from the position.
The rulings also barred John Sarcone III, New York’s acting U.S. attorney, from the position.
The DOJ disagrees, will appeal, and cites the 1998 Federal Vacancy Reform Act’s appointment requirement.