We applaud the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to be the attorney general of the United States. Any appointment of an attorney general is a significant event in the life of our country. The Garland nomination is especially meaningful because it promises to repair the damage the last four years have done to the Department of Justice. Upon confirmation, we are confident that the luster of and respect for the Department of Justice and the people who will staff it will be restored. The record for integrity, competence and judicial independence of Merrick Garland is well established.