What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026 This bill expands the authority of the executive branch to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys. Current law generally requires U.S. Attorneys to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for four-year terms. However, if a position becomes vacant, then current law allows the Attorney General to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney for a term of up to 120 days. Further, if the 120-day term of an interim U.S. Attorney expires without a permanent, Senate-confirmed nominee, then the U.S. district court for the relevant judicial district may appoint a U.S. Attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. This bill eliminates the authority for U.S. district courts to appoint U.S. Attorneys to fill a vacancy after the 120-day term of an interim U.S. Attorney expires. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Attorney General to make multiple interim appointments for 120-day terms.
Action Timeline
2026-03-26
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 11.
2026-03-26
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-03-24
Introduced in House
2026-03-24
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2026-03-24
Introduced in House
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.8065 pass?
HR.8065 is still alive. Current stage: REPORTED. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.8065 do?
Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026 This bill expands the authority of the executive branch to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys. Current law generally requires U.S. Attorneys to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for four-year terms. However, if a position becomes vacant, then current law allows the Attorney General to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney for a term of up to 120 days. Further, if the 120-day term of an interim U.S. Attorney expires without a permanent, Senate-confirmed nominee, then the U.S. dist…
Who sponsored HR.8065?
HR.8065 was sponsored by Derek Schmidt (R-Kansas).
Full Bill Text
119 HR 8065 IH: Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-24 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8065 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 24, 2026 Mr. Schmidt introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 28, United States Code, to restore authority to the executive branch to oversee operations of the Offices of the United States Attorneys, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Executive Branch Authorities to Oversee Offices of the United States Attorneys Act of 2026 . 2. Restoring constitutional limitations on the United States courts Section 546 of title 28, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting after after appointment the following: of that person ; and (2) by striking subsection (d).
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