Chair Grassley has gaveled us in, the 2nd day of Jeff Sessions' confirmation hearing has begun.
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Grassley says Sessions showed yesterday that he is well-prepared and got the hearing going.
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Whitehouse, acting ranking member, reiterates Dem general opposition to holding hearings before ethics checks are done.
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Opening statements from the panel, then a round of questions from member (7 minutes per member).
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Here is this morning's panel. Mukasey is speaking first.pic.twitter.com/rSOlMdg1G2
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Oscar Vazquez, a former DREAMer & veteran, shared his story. Peter Kirsanow is up now, discussing his review of Sessions' civil rts record.
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Kirsanow says Sessions' civil rights record has been "mischaracterized," first noting resolutions and bills Sessions has backed.
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"No one has been more engaged" in advancing the role of "black workers in this country," Kirsanow says of Sessions.
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Amita Swadhin discusses the Access Hollywood video, says many sexual assault survivors like her were triggered by the video.
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Swadhin discusses Sessions' initial response that he did not think the comments constituted sexual assault, says he should not be confirmed.
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Swadhin highlights anti-LGBT sexual assault and other violence, noting there have been two killings of trans women of color already this yr.
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Jayann Sepich, whose daughter was killed, talks about her work on DNA Saves — and how Sessions has supported crime victims.
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Cornell Brooks, president of the NAACP, is up, says Sessions has shown a "fundamental disregard" for key aspects of DOJ's mission.
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Brooks: Sessions' questions about consent decrees & support for mand mins is bad, but record of voting rights is "perhaps most disturbing."
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Now up, the head of the FOP, Chuck Canterbury: "I've never testified with more optimism" than I am for Sessions.
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Canterbury discusses Sessions' "leadership" on support for asset forfeiture programs.
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ACLU's David Cole: We believe Sen. Sessions' record raises serious questions" on whether he would be an AG for "all people."
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Cole, noting ACLU rarely testifies in such hearings, says he's doing so here b/c of Sessions' actions as a prosecutor & record as a senator.
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On voting rights, Cole says Sessions called Shelby County decision "a good day for the South." Also: He has called Islam a "toxic ideology."
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Cole says Sessions past racist comments and ethical issues would lead senators to question whether he should be an intern.
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Larry Thompson, former deputy AG in George W. Bush administration, is up now. On Sessions, he'll "vigorously" and fairly enforce the laws.
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Thompson: Trad'l role of federal law enforcement will maintain its independence under Sessions. Sessions will help law enf keep ppl safe.
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Larry Thompson talking with Sen. Orrin Hatch before today's hearing.pic.twitter.com/x8lKluBQvG
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Mukasey says he has no doubt Sessions will provide leadership for the Justice Dep't that is independent from the White House.
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"He'll be able to serve us well," FOP head Canterbury says of Sessions.
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Kirsanow: Indictment in voting fraud case Sessions is criticized over shows it was two divergent groups of Dems that led to investigation.
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Hatch: Can an AG enforce laws that he personally opposes? Mukasey: Yes. [This was not the most probing question of the day.]
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Durbin asking Mukasey about Russia allegations and what happens if you get a call from the White House?
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Mukasey: "The Department will pursue its agenda as already set." Durbin: AG is independent? Mukasey: "Yes."
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As to the FBI, Mukasey says, "The FBI director works with the Attorney General."
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