Alabama Northern District Gets New U.S. Attorney
The U.S. Northern District of Alabama has new United States Attorney. Phillip Williams, Jr. will serve a four year term to replace Catherine L. Crosby who has been serving as Acting U.S. Attorney. The Northern District spans 31 counties, covering major cities including Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa.
The controversial right-wing radio host and former Alabama State Legislator was nominted by President Trump in October of last year. His nomination coincided with the president's nomination of Thomas Govan Jr. as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Both have now been confirmed.
Williams stepped down after eight years in the Alabama senate in 2018. He is an attorney and a U.S. Army veteran who retired with the rank of colonel.
Williams nomination weathered opposition from Democrats, including Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who raised concerns regarding comments made by Williams on his conservative broadcasts and his relative lack of prior prosecutorial experience.
Williams was confirmed along a 46-43 party line vote after winning approval in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year.
The nomination was sheparded through the confirmation process by Alabama Junior Senator Katie Britt. “Today, I joined many of my Senate colleagues in voting to confirm President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Phil Williams. U.S. Attorneys play a critical role in ensuring the Department of Justice faithfully executes the law, keeps criminals off our streets, and ensures public safety across the country. I’m glad to see two out of three of the President’s U.S. Attorney nominees confirmed to their positions in Alabama, and I know our great state will be stronger and safer as a result,” Britt said in a press release announcing the confirmation.
Alabama Senior Senator Tommy Tuberville descibed Williams' and Govan's confirmations as, "Huge for the State of Alabama. Phil Williams and Thomas Govan Jr. are patriots and will be great as our U.S. attorneys."
Willaims was described as the most conservative member of the Alabama Senate before he signed due to his belief in term limits. He became Chief Policy Officer of the conservative Alabama Policy Institute. He hosted Rightside Radio, a right wing broadcast developed by the institute.
The New Jersey native graduated from the University of South Alabama with a BS and Birmingham School of Law with a JD. Williams and his wide Charlene live in Rainbow City.
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
