WASHINGTON — Loretta Lynch is promising a fresh relationship with law enforcement — and with Congress — as she appears before a Senate committee Wednesday in her bid to become the nation's first female attorney general.
In the first confirmation hearing under the Republican-led Senate, Lynch was scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee as it opens two days of hearings on her nomination. She's widely expected to win confirmation but will face tough questions nevertheless.
Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, would replace Eric Holder, who announced his resignation last fall after leading the Justice Department for six years. Holder has been a lightning rod for conservative criticism, clashing with Republicans and becoming the first sitting attorney general held in contempt of Congress
In prepared testimony, Lynch pledged better relations with Capitol Hill.
"I look forward to fostering a new and improved relationship with this committee, the United States Senate, and the entire United States Congress — a relationship based on mutual respect and constitutional balance," Lynch said.