Big 9-person panel is up first this morning.pic.twitter.com/wJpibKzrSi
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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.
Cornyn asks Canterbury about law enforcement dealing w mental health issues. Canterbury: State/local $$$ for mental health has diminished.
Canterbury: Law enforcement as the first line against addressing mental health is tough. "We'll never have the training" necessary for this.
"Torture is not an American value," the first protester of the day at the Sessions hearing says.pic.twitter.com/yOJ1V4pguB
Franken asks if ~anyone~ on the panel has evidence of millions of fraudulently case votes in this election. Silence from the panel.
Graham's counter to Franken's question, asks panelists to speak up if there are NO fraudulent votes cast. No one speaks up at first.
Brooks then speaks up, saying there are so few cases of voter fraud that it is basically zero.
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