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By CASEY KNAUPP
Staff Writer

The U.S. Senate is considering a Dallas attorney nominated to become the next top federal prosecutor in East Texas.

Local senators have recommended Becky Gregory to the position of United States attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination to the full Senate for consideration on Thursday, according to a prepared statement by Sen. John Cornyn.

Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Cornyn announced in June that they recommended the former first assistant U.S. attorney to George W. Bush for nomination.

Ms. Gregory graduated from the University of Dallas in 1972 and St. Mary's University Law School in 1978.

"Becky has made public service her life's work," Cornyn said. "Her extensive experience in federal law enforcement will benefit the residents of the Eastern District and the state of Texas. I look forward to helping see her confirmed by the Senate."

John L. Ratcliffe, former first assistant U.S. attorney for East Texas, assumed the role of acting U.S. attorney in May 2007 after Matthew Orwig left the position after about five years to join a Dallas law firm.

The Eastern District of Texas includes Tyler, Marshall, Lufkin, Beaumont, Sherman, Plano and Texarkana.

Also on Thursday, another Dallas attorney and nominee for a federal judgeship was moved forward by the judiciary committee to be considered by the Senate.

Catharina Haynes was nominated for a seat on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which serves Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

"Both Becky Gregory and Catharina Haynes are exceptionally well-qualified nominees and I'm encouraged by their progress toward final confirmations," Cornyn said. "The individuals have dedicated their lives to service and have strong records of accomplishment. I'm confident that they'll uphold the law with distinction, and I hope the full Senate will move quickly to confirm them."