Senate Confirms Zachary Cunha As U.S. Attorney In RI

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island officially has a new U.S. Attorney. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senator voted to confirm Zachary A. Cunha to the position.

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse released a joint statement praising Cunha's confirmation.

"Mr. Cunha already has an exemplary record of service in the U.S. Attorney’s office," the statement read in part. "He steps into this new, elevated role ready to serve and protect the people of Rhode Island with integrity and distinction."

Cunha already works in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Rhode Island, serving as the chief of the civil division.

The confirmation came after Whitehouse went to the Senate floor with Judiciary Chairman Richard Durbin to challenge a hold on Cunha's nomination. The nomination was submitted in late September, and the Senate Judiciary Committee approved it just a few days later.

Cunha will replace former U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. Richard B. Myrus has served as the interim U.S. Attorney since Weisman's resignation in February.