U.S. Senate confirms Eric Holder Jr. as deputy attorney general; no. 2 post at Justice Dept

Jet, August 11, 1997

Eric H. Holder, Jr. recently won unanimous Senate confirmation to the U.S. Department of Justice's No. 2 post, becoming the highest-ranking Black law enforcement official in the nation's history.

Holder, 46, who has been the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., since 1993, is now deputy attorney general, replacing Jamie Gorelick, who resigned in the spring.

Janet Reno, who continues in the No. 1 post as U.S. attorney general, said of Holder's appointment: "Eric Holder is one of the nation's most respected and qualified law enforcement officials....Eric has a wealth of experience on which he can draw. Eric will continue leading the fight to safeguard our streets and neighborhoods."

Holder was nominated for the post by President Clinton in April of this year.

As deputy attorney general, Holder will be responsible for advising and assisting the Attorney General in formulating and implementing department polices. He will also oversee the management functions of the Department of Justice.