[gdani]

So if the Special Counsel is then given the powers of a US Attorney by the Justice Department, isn't it necessary that the appointment be approved by the Senate, like other US Attorneys?

The ultimate answer can probably be found in the debate & testimony re: whatever bill made special counsels possible.

I don't think it is necessary because, technically, the law is written to not make it necessary. If the intention was to make Special Counsels subject to Senate/congressional approval, the language would clearly say that.

[Meet the New Boss]

The ultimate answer can probably be found in the debate & testimony re: whatever bill made special counsels possible.

There was no bill. There once was a law passed by Congress providing for independent prosecutors, but that law expired.

I don't think it is necessary because, technically, the law is written to not make it necessary. If the intention was to make Special Counsels subject to Senate/congressional approval, the language would clearly say that.

Mueller was not appointed under any Congressional law. He was appointed only under the language of a regulation adopted only by the Department of Justice, not Congress.