Yearlong confirmation effort ends for new Justice official

The Senate on Wednesday approved President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department’s criminal division following a yearlong confirmation process.

Brian Benczkowski was narrowly confirmed as an assistant attorney general with a 51-48 vote. Democrats strongly opposed the nomination, partly because of his work while in private practice for a leading Russian bank.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, welcomed Benczkowski to the job Wednesday.

“This will be the sixth senior position Brian has held at the Department, and we are fortunate to have someone with his breadth of experience and strong leadership skills willing to serve again,” Sessions said in a statement.