During her confirmation hearing, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Clarke’s skills and experiences would help the Department of Justice combat discrimination “in areas from housing to education to employment” and “ensure accountability for law enforcement misconduct.” During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Clarke was criticized by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for her alleged writings in support of “Defunding the Police.”
Collins (R-ME) voted Yea to give her the job after an earlier rejection vote.