Tony Mattivi has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a federal judge in a close vote of 51-46. Before this appointment, he served as the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for three years. Mattivi's legal career spans over two decades at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was involved in high-profile counterterrorism prosecutions, notably leading the case against the alleged mastermind of the 2000 USS Cole bombing. Republican Senator Jerry Moran praised Mattivi's qualifications and urged his nomination, expressing confidence in his ability to serve Kansas effectively. Following his confirmation, Mattivi joins another Kansas judicial nominee, Jeffrey Kuhlman, who was also recently confirmed. A third nominee, Anthony Powell, awaits a vote. During his confirmation hearings, Mattivi addressed questions regarding the KBI's involvement in a controversial raid on the Marion County Record newspaper, clarifying that no KBI agents were present during the incident. Mattivi is married to Shawnee County District Court judge Mary E. Mattivi, and federal judgeships are lifetime appointments.