Senate Confirms Merrick Garland As Attorney General

Merrick Garland was confirmed as the next attorney general in a 70-30 vote on Wednesday, filling a key position of Joe Biden’s administration that will hold sway over issues such as copyright and antitrust enforcement.

Garland will start his tenure just as the Justice Department is challenging Google in an antitrust lawsuit, while the Federal Trade Commission filed an action against Facebook. House and Senate lawmakers of both parties put new scrutiny on the size and scope of tech platforms.

More from Deadline

• How To Watch President Biden's Primetime Address Thursday

• President Joe Biden's $1.9 Trillion Covid Relief Plan Clears Final Hurdle In Congress; How Showbiz Will Benefit

• Joe Biden To Deliver Primetime Address On Thursday Anniversary Of Covid-19 Shutdowns

President Joe Biden has yet to nominate a chief of the Justice Department’s antitrust division, but some of his recent moves have suggested an administration desire to take a harder line toward antitrust in general than during the years of Barack Obama.

Charles Rivkin, the chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, said in a statement, that they were “confident Attorney General Garland appreciates the unique value of the nation’s film, television and streaming industry – including the 2.5 million American jobs it supports – and will work during this challenging time to ensure our community can rebuild stronger than ever before.”

Best of Deadline

• U.S. Covid-19 Update: CDC Director Warns Case Declines May Be Leveling Off At "Still A Very High Number'

• Coronavirus: Movies That Have Halted Or Delayed Production Amid Outbreak

• Hong Kong Filmart Postponed Due To Coronavirus Fears; Event Moves Two Weeks Before Toronto

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.