After a more than one-year hiatus, the U.S. Senate has finally elected to confirm a full-time attorney to prosecute cases in the Southern District of Mississippi, with Todd Gee given the nod by an 82-8 vote.
Gee, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in September 2022, will inherit the largest public fraud case in state history linked to $77 million being improperly spent through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
82-8, Senate confirmed the nomination of Todd Gee, of D.C., to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. Rollcall Vote #244 https://t.co/7iScGvjuI5
— U.S. Senate Updates (@SenateFloor) September 29, 2023
State Auditor Shad White, whose office uncovered the TANF scandal, weighed in on Gee’s confirmation, noting that his team plans to work in cooperation with the federal prosecutor.
“More than three years ago, my team and District Attorney Jody Owens put a stop to the welfare scheme in Mississippi with the indictment and arrest of six people,” White said.
“We also turned all our evidence over to federal authorities to show the public that the case would be fully investigated, all the way. At that time three years ago, federal investigators and the U.S. Attorney asked to take the lead on prosecuting any additional people beyond the first six defendants. My office agreed to assist them in any way possible. We have enjoyed a good relationship with federal prosecutors since then as they have deliberated about whom to charge, and the appointment of Mr. Gee changes nothing in our posture. We will continue to work with federal prosecutors to bring the case to a conclusion.”
Gee will occupy the role that has been temporarily filled by Darren LaMarca who has served since former President Donald Trump appointee Mike Hurst resigned in January 2021.
The eight Senators who voted against Gee’s nomination were Mike Braun, R-Ind., Katie Britt, R-Ala., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Ron Johnson, Wis., Rand Paul, R-Ky., Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., Rick Scott, R-Fla.
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