He is the interim United States attorney and Ms. Mauskopf's confirmation means he will vacate the position as the head of the office in Brooklyn.

Previously, a federal judge would appoint an interim United States attorney to serve until the Senate confirmed the president's nominee.

Mr. Vinegrad, now the interim United States attorney, had been expected to leave the office if Ms. Mauskopf is approved.

Mr. Vinegrad has also been the interim United States attorney in Brooklyn since June 2001.

It could also include interim United States attorneys.

He took his oath of office on September 17, 2001, as an interim United States attorney appointed by the U.S. District Court.

But if that prosecutor happens to be Alan Vinegrad, the interim United States attorney in Brooklyn, he will fight like a terrier with intensity issues.

If the Senate confirms no one after that time, the appointment of an interim United States attorney would be left to a federal district judge.

A spokesman for Alan Vinegrad, the interim United States attorney in Brooklyn, declined to comment.

He became the interim United States attorney and was named to the post in 1990 by President George Bush.