PROVIDENCE, RI -- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today outlined their process for ensuring there is a talented and diverse pool of highly-qualified candidates for the current U.S. Attorney vacancy in Rhode Island.

Senators Reed and Whitehouse made this announcement following consultation with the White House and their colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Senator Whitehouse is a senior member.

It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators for recommendations for appointments in their state, who are ultimately nominated by the President. It is also customary for home-state senators to return so-called “blue slips” that indicate their approval of the President’s choices for nominees in their state before the Senate begins formal consideration of the nominees.

The U.S. Attorney serves as the state’s top federal prosecutor. There are 93 U.S. Attorneys nationwide, one of whom serves in Rhode Island. Each U.S. attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer within a specified jurisdiction.

Applicants for U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island must have a minimum of ten years as a practicing attorney, deep experience with criminal law, be residents of the state, and demonstrate a commitment to the fair, evenhanded, and independent administration of justice. The process includes confidential and detailed scrutiny of each applicant’s professional experience and personal background.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed’s office via email (to:US_Attorney@reed.senate.gov) or via mail (to: 1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) by November 3.

“Our goal is to fill this position with an outstanding, highly-qualified candidate who will serve the people of Rhode Island with honor, integrity, and distinction,” said Reed and Whitehouse in a joint statement.

After carefully reviewing resumes and interviewing applicants, Senators Reed and Whitehouse will follow their customary process with the Administration.

After a candidate is formally nominated by the President, they may receive a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Any nominee must then be approved by the Committee, as well as by the full U.S. Senate.