Big 9-person panel is up first this morning.pic.twitter.com/wJpibKzrSi
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Whitehouse, acting ranking member, reiterates Dem general opposition to holding hearings before ethics checks are done.
Opening statements from the panel, then a round of questions from member (7 minutes per member).
Here is this morning's panel. Mukasey is speaking first.pic.twitter.com/rSOlMdg1G2
Oscar Vazquez, a former DREAMer & veteran, shared his story. Peter Kirsanow is up now, discussing his review of Sessions' civil rts record.
Kirsanow says Sessions' civil rights record has been "mischaracterized," first noting resolutions and bills Sessions has backed.
"No one has been more engaged" in advancing the role of "black workers in this country," Kirsanow says of Sessions.
Amita Swadhin discusses the Access Hollywood video, says many sexual assault survivors like her were triggered by the video.
Swadhin discusses Sessions' initial response that he did not think the comments constituted sexual assault, says he should not be confirmed.
Swadhin highlights anti-LGBT sexual assault and other violence, noting there have been two killings of trans women of color already this yr.
Jayann Sepich, whose daughter was killed, talks about her work on DNA Saves — and how Sessions has supported crime victims.
Cornell Brooks, president of the NAACP, is up, says Sessions has shown a "fundamental disregard" for key aspects of DOJ's mission.
Brooks: Sessions' questions about consent decrees & support for mand mins is bad, but record of voting rights is "perhaps most disturbing."
Now up, the head of the FOP, Chuck Canterbury: "I've never testified with more optimism" than I am for Sessions.
Canterbury discusses Sessions' "leadership" on support for asset forfeiture programs.
ACLU's David Cole: We believe Sen. Sessions' record raises serious questions" on whether he would be an AG for "all people."
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.
On voting rights, Cole says Sessions called Shelby County decision "a good day for the South." Also: He has called Islam a "toxic ideology."
Cole says Sessions past racist comments and ethical issues would lead senators to question whether he should be an intern.
Larry Thompson, former deputy AG in George W. Bush administration, is up now. On Sessions, he'll "vigorously" and fairly enforce the laws.
Thompson: Trad'l role of federal law enforcement will maintain its independence under Sessions. Sessions will help law enf keep ppl safe.
Larry Thompson talking with Sen. Orrin Hatch before today's hearing.pic.twitter.com/x8lKluBQvG
Mukasey says he has no doubt Sessions will provide leadership for the Justice Dep't that is independent from the White House.
"He'll be able to serve us well," FOP head Canterbury says of Sessions.
Kirsanow: Indictment in voting fraud case Sessions is criticized over shows it was two divergent groups of Dems that led to investigation.
Hatch: Can an AG enforce laws that he personally opposes? Mukasey: Yes. [This was not the most probing question of the day.]
Durbin asking Mukasey about Russia allegations and what happens if you get a call from the White House?
Mukasey: "The Department will pursue its agenda as already set." Durbin: AG is independent? Mukasey: "Yes."
As to the FBI, Mukasey says, "The FBI director works with the Attorney General."
Durbin: If there is an investigation under way, Sessions could stop it? Mukasey: "Yes."
Cornyn basically says Sessions has had so many votes & senators have served w/ him so long, but folks are focusing on so few things.
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