Federal judges in Wisconsin have declined to extend the appointment of Brad Schimel as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the court announced Tuesday.

Schimel's temporary appointment is set to expire on March 17, and a majority of judges on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin voted against extending his tenure. The decision means the district will need a new interim prosecutor to serve until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed.

Schimel has been serving as the interim U.S. attorney for the Milwaukee-based district, which covers eastern Wisconsin. His appointment was part of the interim arrangements that occur when U.S. attorney positions become vacant.

The U.S. attorney position is a presidential appointment that requires Senate confirmation for permanent appointments. When vacancies occur, interim appointments can be made to ensure continuity of federal prosecutorial operations while the nomination and confirmation process proceeds.

The Eastern District of Wisconsin handles federal criminal and civil cases in the eastern portion of the state, including the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The district's U.S. attorney office prosecutes federal crimes and represents the United States in civil litigation within its jurisdiction.