AND PRESIDENT OBAMA'S LEGACY. NOW THE SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE JEFF SESSIONS. SENATOR SESSIONS SPENT THE DAY TESTIFYING BEFORE THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS, ABORTION, IMMIGRATION AND ALLEGATIONS THAT HE MADE RACIST COMMENTS IN THE PAST. THE HEARING WAS INTERRUPTED SEVERAL TIMES BY PROTESTERS. IT BEGINS WITH A STATEMENT FROM OUTGOING RANKING MEMBER PATRICK LEAHY, SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN IS BELIEVED DEMOCRAT ON THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, IT IS CHAIRED BY SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY OF IOWA. >> YOU CANNOT TAKE ME OUT OF HERE! [SHOUTING] [APPLAUSE] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] >> BEFORE WE ACTUALLY START THE HEARING A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE TO A FORMER CHAIRMAN AND MY FRIENDS, SENATOR LEAHY, TO SPEAK FOR A FEW SECONDS, IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE...

YOU DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WERE GOING TO DO. >> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THE COURTESY, THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CONVENES FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE 115TH CONGRESS. HISTORIC MOMENT IN HISTORY. FOR THE LAST WEEK SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN WAS NAMED THE COMMITTEE'S RANKING MEMBER, THE FIRST TIME IN AMERICAN HISTORY A WOMAN SERVED IN THIS CAPACITY. HAVING BEEN CHAIRMAN, RANKING MEMBER FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS, I CAN'T THINK OF ANYBODY BETTER. IT IS STRIKING THAT 352 MEMBERS SERVED ON THE COMMITTEE, ONLY FIVE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN WOMEN, THREE OF THOSE WOMEN SERVING ON THIS IMPORTANT COMMITTEE TODAY. SENATOR FEINSTEIN, SENATOR CLOVER JAR --KLOBUCHAR. I WELCOME SENATOR FEINSTEIN ON THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES FACING OUR COUNTRY. WE AMERICANS CAN BE PROUD SHE IS HERE AND I APPLAUD YOU FOR IT. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING, I WELCOME EVERYONE TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT HEARING TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATION OF OUR COLLEAGUE SENATOR SESSIONS TO SERVE AS THE 84TH ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. FIRST, I WANT TO SET UP A COUPLE GROUND RULES. I WANT TO HANDLE THIS HEARING THE SAME WAY THAT I HANDLED THE HEARING FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL LYNCH'S NOMINATION. IT IS ALSO THE SAME WAY CHAIRMAN LEAHY HANDLED PREVIOUS HEARINGS. I WANT EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO WATCH THE HEARING WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION. IF PEOPLE STAND UP AND BLOCK THE VIEWS OF THOSE BEHIND THEM OR SPEAK OUT OF TURN, SIMPLY NOT FAIR AND NOT CONSIDERATE TO OTHERS, SO OFFICERS WILL IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THOSE INDIVIDUALS. BEFORE MY OPENING STATEMENT I WILL EXPLAIN HOW WE WILL PROCEED. SENATOR FEINSTEIN AND I WILL GIVE OPENING REMARKS, SENATOR SHELBY AND COLLINS WILL INTRODUCE THE NOMINEE FOLLOWING SENATOR SESSIONS'S OPENING REMARKS, WE WILL BEGIN A FIRST ROUND OF QUESTIONS. EACH SENATOR WILL HAVE AN INITIAL 10 MINUTE ROUND FOR QUESTIONS. AFTER THE FIRST ROUND WE WILL DO EIGHT MINUTE ROUNDS OF QUESTIONS. I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT I AM PREPARED TO STAY HERE AS LONG AS MEMBERS HAVE QUESTIONS THEY WOULD LIKE TO ASK. AGAIN, THAT IS THE WAY I HANDLED ATTORNEY GENERAL LYNCH'S NOMINATION AND THE MOST FAIR WAY TO PROCEED FOR BOTH MEMBERS AS WELL AS OUR DISTINGUISHED NOMINEE. I WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS TO THIS COMMITTEE AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH NEW MEMBERS AS WELL AS ONES THAT WERE REPEATING SERVING ON THIS COMMITTEE, AND RECOGNIZE AND WELCOME IMPORTANT AUDIENCE MEMBERS, FORMER ATTORNEY GENERALS AND OUR FORMER COLLEAGUE, SENATOR KYLE, FORMER MEMBER OF THIS COMMITTEE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR OHIO HERE AND FORMER COLLEAGUE OF OURS, FINALLY BEFORE MY OPENING REMARKS I CONGRATULATE SENATOR FEINSTEIN ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AND THE DECISION OVER THE RANKING MEMBERSHIP. WE ALWAYS HAD A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP THROUGH SEVERAL THINGS WE DID LEGISLATIVELY AND AS LEADERS OF THE CAUCUS AND I APPRECIATE VERY MUCH THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH YOU, THANK YOU. WITH THAT, I WILL START MY OPENING COMMENTS. OUR HEARING TODAY HARDLY INTRODUCES SENATOR SESSIONS TO THE COMMITTEE. NO, WE ARE HERE TODAY TO REVIEW THE CHARACTER AND QUALIFICATIONS OF A COLLEAGUE WHO SERVED ALONGSIDE US IN THE SENATE FOR 20 YEARS. THAT INCLUDES HIS TIME AS RANKING MEMBER OF THIS COMMITTEE. WE KNOW HIM WELL. WE KNOW THE POLICY POSITIONS HE HAS TAKEN AS A LEGISLATOR. I HAVE BEEN ON BOTH SIDES OF DEBATES WITH THIS DISTINGUISHED SENATOR SESSIONS. HAVING SERVED WITH HIM FOR SO LONG, WE PRETTY WELL KNOW WHETHER HE SUPPORTS YOUR POLICY POSITIONS OR OPPOSES THEM. HE TELLS US SO WITH HIS USUAL THOUGHTFULNESS, HUMILITY AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, RESPECT. AS FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THIS COMMITTEE, HAS PUT IT, SENATOR SESSIONS IS, QUOTE, WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH. WE KNOW HIM TO BE, AS ANOTHER SENIOR DEMOCRAT ON THIS COMMITTEE DESCRIBED HIM, QUOTE, A MAN OF HIS WORD. AS A THIRD SENIOR COLLEAGUE PUT IT, A DEMOCRAT AS WELL, HE IS ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN, HE IS STRAIGHTFORWARD AND FAIR. MOST OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE KNOW HIM TO BE A LEADER WHO HAS SERVED THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA AND ALL AMERICANS WITH INTEGRITY, DEDICATION AND COURAGE. THAT DESCRIBES HOW I KNOW THE NOMINEE FOR THE 20 YEARS I HAVE SERVED WITH HIM. AS FORMER CHAIRMAN LEAHY OBSERVED, LAST TIME A NEW PRESIDENT TOOK OFFICE, IT IS, QUOTE, IMPORTANT THAT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAVE A SENIOR LEADERSHIP IN PLACE WITHOUT DELAY. WE NEED THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO BE AT ITS BEST. PERHAPS MY GOOD FRIEND SENATOR SCHUMER SAID IT BEST WHEN HE OBSERVED WE SHOULD, QUOTE, MOVED TO A VOTE, HOPEFULLY SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. WHEN WE DO, AS HE SAID, WE, QUOTE, WON'T BE VOTING FOR OR AGAINST THE PRESIDENT'S POLICIES, WE WILL BE VOTING, OR IN SUMMARY, SENATOR SCHUMER SAID, VOTING FOR A COLLEAGUE WITH A FIRST-RATE LEGAL MIND WHOSE RECORD PROVES HIS COMMITMENT TO JUST LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMINENTLY QUALIFIED TO LEAD THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. I HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE INITIAL SUPPORT MANY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE HAVE PRESSED FOR SENATOR SESSIONS NOMINATION SO I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM SENATOR SESSIONS AND MOVING TO HIS APPOINTMENT WITHOUT DELAY. SENATOR SESSIONS'S RECORD IS A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE, SO WE KNOW HIS STORY. HE WAS RAISED IN A SMALL TOWN IN ALABAMA WHERE HIS FATHER RAN A SMALL COUNTRY STORE, HE STUDIED AT HUNTINGTON COLLEGE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA BEFORE PRACTICING LAW IN MOBILE. SENATOR SESSIONS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF HIS COMMUNITY. HE TAUGHT SCHOOL BEFORE ATTENDING LAW SCHOOL, HE TAUGHT SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ASH THE LAND METHODIST CHURCH, SERVED OUR NATION IN THE ARMY RESERVES ATTAINING THE RANK OF CAPTAIN. AFTER HIS TIME IN PRIVATE PRACTICE SENATOR SESSIONS SERVED AS ATTORNEY IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA. HE THEN HEADED THAT OFFICE AFTER THE SENATE CONFIRMED HIM FOR US ATTORNEY. ALL TOLD THIS SENATOR, COLLEAGUE OF OURS SERVED 50 YEARS AS FEDERAL PROSECUTOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT HE WILL HEAD, THEN HE OVERSAW THE INVESTIGATION OF KLANSMAN FRANCIS HAYES FOR THE PRODUCTION AND MURDER OF BLACK TEENAGER MICHAEL DONNELLY. HE MADE SURE THAT CASE WAS BROUGHT TO STATE COURT WHERE THE DEFENDANT WAS ELIGIBLE FOR AND RECEIVED THE PUNISHMENT HE JUSTLY DESERVED, THE DEATH PENALTY. 'S OFFICE AND SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED ACCOMPLISHED IN FEDERAL COURT. BASED ON HIS PROSECUTORIAL RECORD THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA ELECTED IN THEIR ATTORNEY GENERAL AND SENATOR. HE SERVED WITH US SINCE 1997 AND THE COMMITTEE RELIED ON HIM FOR PROSECUTORIAL EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE OF HIS SENATE SERVICE. THROUGHOUT HIS PUBLIC SERVICE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT HE HAS RAISED HIS HAND AND SERVED WHEN CALLED UPON. HE HAS DONE HIS DUTY AND ENFORCED THE LAW FAIRLY AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY. REFLECTING ON THIS RECORD OF SERVICE IS NO SURPRISE THEN THAT SENATOR SESSIONS WAS ALSO AN EAGLE SCOUT. OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE KNOW AS I DO THAT THE SCOUT'S MODEL, BE PREPARED, SETS ON HIS DESK IN HIS SENATE OFFICE. SENATOR SESSIONS'S ENTIRE LIFE OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE HAS PREPARED HIM FOR THIS DAY. IF HE IS CONFIRMED AND I SAID EXPECT HE WILL BE, SENATOR SESSIONS WILL SHED HIS ROLE AS A LEGISLATURE WHO RIGHTS LAW AND HE WILL TAKE ON THE TASK OF ENFORCING THE LAWS CONGRESS HAS WRITTEN. HE HAS MADE THIS TRANSITION BEFORE WHEN THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA ELECTED HIM SENATOR BASED ON HIS RECORD OF SERVICE AS US ATTORNEY AND ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL. AS ONE MEMBER OF THIS COMMITTEE OBSERVED, THE TRANSITION INTO A ROLE OF A JUDGE, QUOTE, THERE ARE TURNING POINTS IN A PERSON'S LIFE WHEN THEY PUT AWAY THINGS OF THE PAST AND MOVE INTO NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. SERVING AS OUR NATION'S ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL MARK ANOTHER SUCH TURNING POINT IN SENATOR SESSIONS'S DISTINGUISHED CAREER. EVERY MEMBER OF THIS COMMITTEE KNOWS FROM EXPERIENCE, IN HIS NEW ROLE, SENATOR SESSIONS WILL BE A LEADER FOR LAW AND ORDER ADMINISTERED WITHOUT REGARD TO PERSON. LEADERSHIP TO THAT END IS EXACTLY WHAT THE DEPARTMENT NOW NEEDS. IT SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE DEPARTMENT JUST ASKED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENFORCING OUR LAW, ALL OF OUR LAWS IN A DISPASSIONATE AND EVENHANDED WAY. THE EXECUTIVE ENFORCES THEM FAITHFULLY, THIS IS SIMPLE BUT VERY FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE. UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS THE DEPARTMENT HAS SIMPLY DECLINED TO ENFORCE SOME LAWS THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH FOUND UNCONSCIOUS, THE FAILURE TO ENFORCE THE LAW HAS RUN THE GAMUT OF ISSUES FROM CRIMINAL LAW TO THE NATION'S DULY ENACTED IMMIGRATION LAWS. IT IS TRUE THAT EACH BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT HAS AN INDEPENDENT DUTY TO ASSESS THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE LAWS THAT IT WRITES AND ADMINISTERS AND ADJUDICATES BUT EQUALLY TRUE THAT THE EXECUTIVE HAS A CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, AS WE ALL KNOW, TO TAKE CARE THAT THE LAWS BE FAITHFULLY EXECUTED. I KNOW OUR COLLEAGUE, SENATOR SESSIONS, RESPECTS THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND THE PREROGATIVE OF CONGRESS TO WRITE THE LAW. AS HE EXPLAINED DURING THE CONFIRMATION HEARING, JOHN ASHCROFT'S NOMINATION TO SERVE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, QUOTE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS A LAW ENFORCER. THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A POLITICIAN AND A SENATOR WHERE WE VOTE ON POLICY AND EXECUTING THAT POLICY. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM SENATOR SESSIONS ON HOW HE WILL TRANSITION VOTING ON POLICY MATTERS TO ENFORCING THE LAWS HE HAS LABORED SO LONG TO IMPROVE AND SUSTAIN. JUST AS HE RESPECTS CONGRESS'S DULY ENACTED LAWS SENATOR SESSIONS KNOWS AND RESPECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INDEPENDENT ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE DEPARTMENT'S HELP. WHEN HE HAS QUESTIONS OTHER CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL HE HAS MADE PLAIN THE PRIORITIES OF AN ATTORNEY GENERAL'S INDEPENDENCE. HE SOUGHT ASSURANCES ON THIS TOWN DURING THE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER, A NOMINEE THAT HAPPENS SENATOR SESSIONS AND I BOTH SUPPORTED DESPITE POLICY DISAGREEMENTS WITH ERIC HOLDER. SENATOR SESSIONS ASKED AT THAT TIME, QUOTE, YOU ARE NOT THREATENING AND NOT GUARANTEEING YOU ARE GOING TO PROSECUTE PEOPLE UNTIL YOU FAIRLY EVALUATE ALL THE FACTS AND THE EVIDENCE AND THE LAW THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE DEALING WITH AT THE TIME. DURING THIS COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ANOTHER ATTORNEY GENERAL, SENATOR SESSIONS REFLECTED ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PEOPLE AS HE KNEW THEM FROM THE SERVICE IN ALABAMA, QUOTE, YOU SPEAK FOR THE LEGAL INTERESTS OF THE STATE. AS A RESULT, HE SAID, QUOTING AGAIN, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL REPRESENTS THE STATE, HE HAS AN OBLIGATION AND A DUTY REGARDLESS OF THE LITIGATION INCLUDING WHEN ONE OF THOSE PARTIES IS THE GOVERNMENT, TO ENSURE THAT IT IS FAIR FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE. THIS FIRM GRASP OF THE SEPARATION OF POWERS EQUIPPED THIS SENATOR, SESSIONS, TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT WITH INDEPENDENT LEADERSHIP OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY. HE KNOWS THE DEPARTMENT'S OBLIGATIONS WELL, NOT ONLY BECAUSE HE KNOWS THE DEPARTMENT BUT BECAUSE HE HAS SEEN THOSE OBLIGATIONS OBSERVED IN THE BREACH FROM HIS SEAT BESIDE US IN THE SENATE. TO THIS LEGISLATOR, THE DEPARTMENT'S FAILURE IN JUST ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS ISN'T JUST A POLICY DISAPPOINTMENT ON A PARTICULAR ISSUE BUT AN AFFRONT TO THE VERY SEPARATION OF POWERS THAT DEFINES OUR ROLE AND THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE THAT WARRANTS OUR VOTES WHICH I IMAGINE SENATOR SESSIONS MAY HAVE THOUGHTS ON THAT AS WELL AND I HOPE TO HEAR THOSE POINTS. ON THIS COMMITTEE WE DON'T ALWAYS AGREE ON THE RIGHT WAY TO HANDLE THE COMPLEX POLICIES AND WHEN YOU SERVED IN THE SENATE AS LONG AS SENATOR SESSIONS AND I HAVE YOU ARE BOUND TO FIND A FEW POINTS OF DISAGREEMENT WITH EVEN THE MOST LIKE-MINDED COLLEAGUES. BUT SENATOR SESSIONS'S TWO DECADES OF SERVICE BESIDES NEED TESTIFIES WITHOUT QUESTION TO THIS. HE IS A MATTER OF HONOR AND INTEGRITY, DEDICATED TO THE FAITHFUL AND FAIR ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW WHO DOES WELL AND DEEPLY RESPECT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND ITS CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM HIM ABOUT THIS...

DIVISION AND PLANS FOR THE DEPARTMENT AND IT IS SENATOR FEINSTEIN'S TURN FOR HER WORDS. >> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK SENATOR LEAHY FOR HIS WORDS. I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY INTRODUCING SOME CALIFORNIANS IN THE AUDIENCE. CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS FROM LOS ANGELES, BARBARA READ FROM THE BAY AREA. A DREAMER WHO HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL, WRITING AN ARTICLE ABOUT HER, AND THE REVEREND DOCTOR AMOS BROWN, AND FREDERICK HAYNES. PART OF THE MINISTERIAL DELEGATION TODAY. THE SENATOR BEFORE US THIS MORNING IS SOMEONE MANY OF US ON THIS COMMITTEE HAVE WORKED WITH FOR 20 YEARS. THAT MAKES THIS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME. SENATOR SESSIONS IN OUR PRIVATE MEETING, I WILL SAY IT AGAIN HERE, THE PROCESS IS GOING TO BE FAIR AND THOROUGH. WE ARE NOT BEING ASKED TO EVALUATE HIM AS A SENATOR. WE ARE ASKED, FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE LARGEST AND BEST DEMOCRACY IN THE WORLD. IT IS NOT TO ADVOCATE HIS BELIEFS, AND THE JOB OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAW. EVEN IF HE VOTED AGAINST THE LAW, EVEN IF HE SPOKE AGAINST IT BEFORE IT PASSED, IF HE DISAGREES WITH THE PRESIDENT SAYING THE LAW IS CONSTITUTIONAL, MOST IMPORTANTLY HIS JOB WILL BE TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAW EQUALLY FOR ALL AMERICANS. THIS JOB REQUIRES SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE LAW, NOT TO THE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT-ELECT SAID TO HIS OPPONENT DURING A DEBATE, QUOTE, IF I WIN I AM GOING TO ENFORCE MY ATTORNEY GENERAL TO GET A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO LOOK AT YOUR SITUATION. MISTER CHAIRMAN, THAT IS NOT WHAT AN ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES. AND ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT INVESTIGATE OR PROSECUTE AT THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT. NOR DO ATTORNEYS GENERALS WHERE TWO HATS, ONE AS THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER AND ONE AS THE PRESIDENT -- IS THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. THAT MODEL HAS FAILED. RATHER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST PUT ASIDE LOYALTY TO THE PRESIDENT. HE MUST ENSURE THAT THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION COME FIRST AND FOREMOST, PERIOD. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL, EDWARD BATES, SAID IT BEST WHEN HE SAID THIS AND I QUOTE, THE OFFICE I HOLD IS NOT PROPERLY POLITICAL BUT STRICTLY LEGAL AND IT IS MY DUTY ABOVE ALL OF THE OTHER MINISTERS OF STATE TO UPHOLD THE LAW AND RESIST ALL ENCROACHMENTS FROM WHATEVER QUARTER. THAT IS THE JOB OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. IF CONFIRMED, SENATOR SESSIONS WILL BE THE TOP OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH FAITHFULLY AND IMPARTIALLY ENFORCING ALL FEDERAL LAW AND PROTECTING OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE FROM ALL INCURSIONS WHETHER THEY BE FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC. 'S DUTY WILL BE TO ENFORCE AND PROTECT OUR CIVIL RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS INCLUDING A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE. HE WILL RUN THE DEPARTMENT THAT ENSURES THOSE WHO COMMIT HATE CRIMES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HE WILL BE CHARGED WITH PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND TAXPAYERS FROM FRAUD AND MAKING SURE CORRUPT PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HE WILL PROSECUTE POLLUTERS BASED ON FEDERAL LAW. IT IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO MUST ENSURE THAT THIS GOVERNMENT FOLLOWS THE LAW, DOES NOT AVERT TORTURE AGAIN. THIS IS AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY AND AN ENORMOUS JOB. WHAT WE MUST DO NOW IN THESE HEARINGS IS DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL SENATOR SESSIONS WILL BE IF CONFIRMED. LET ME EXPRESS A DEEP CONCERN. THERE IS SO MUCH FEAR IN THIS COUNTRY. I SEE IT, I HEAR IT PARTICULARLY IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY, FROM PREACHERS, FROM POLITICIANS, FROM EVERY DAY AMERICANS. AS MRS. EVELYN TURNER SAID IN HER PASSIONATE LETTER TO THIS COMMITTEE, QUOTE, I AM VERY TROUBLED BY HIS STANCE AGAINST CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE MORE RECENT PAST. AS A US SENATOR HE SUPPORTED NO LAWS WHICH SUGGESTS HE HAS CHANGED. THROUGHOUT HIS SENATE CAREER SENATOR SESSIONS HAS ADVOCATED AN EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE AGENDA. FOR EXAMPLE, HE VOTED NO AND SPOKE FOR NEARLY 30 MINUTES IN THIS COMMITTEE AGAINST THE LEAHY AMENDMENT THAT EXPRESSED THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE UNITED STATES WOULD NOT BAR PEOPLE FROM ENTERING THIS COUNTRY BASED ON THEIR RELIGION. HE VOTED AGAINST EACH OF THREE BIPARTISAN COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION BILLS. IN 2006, 2007, AND 2013. TWICE, HE VOTED AGAINST THE DREAM ACT, THE BILL FOR UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH KNOWN AS DREAMERS WHO WERE BROUGHT HERE AS CHILDREN THROUGH NO CHOICE OF THEIR OWN CALLING IT A, QUOTE, RECKLESS PROPOSAL FOR MASS AMNESTY. HE VOTED AGAINST EFFORTS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF WATERBOARDING AND OTHER SO-CALLED ENHANCED INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES CALLING THEM LAWFUL AND APPRAISING ATTORNEY GENERAL CASEY IN 2008 FOR REFUSING TO RULE OUT THE USE OF WATERBOARDING IN THE FUTURE. THESE INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES ARE AND WERE AT THE TIME ILLEGAL. THANKS TO THE PROVISION SENATOR MCCAIN IN THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL, THEY ARE NOW PROHIBITED FROM USE. AND THE MATTHEW SHEPARD AND JAMES BYRD HATE CRIMES ACT WHICH AMONG OTHER THINGS EXPANDED THE HATE CRIMES LAW TO COVER SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITIES. ARGUING AGAINST THE HATE CRIMES LAW IN 2008 HE SAID THIS, TODAY I AM NOT SURE WOMEN ARE PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS FACE THE DISCRIMINATION, I DON'T SEE IT. THIS SENATOR REGRETFULLY SEES IT. HATE CRIMES ARE HAPPENING. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MUST SEE IT, MUST INVESTIGATE IT AND PROSECUTE IT APPROPRIATELY. THESE ARE VOTES THAT ARE DEEPLY CONCERNING. THEY ARE IMPORTANT AND THEY CLEARLY SHOW THIS SENATOR'S POINT OF VIEW. FOR ALL THESE REASONS, THIS HEARING MUST DETERMINE CLEARLY WHETHER THIS SENATOR WILL ENFORCE LAWS HE VOTED AGAINST. WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW HOW HE INTENDS TO USE THIS AWESOME POWER OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IF HE IS CONFIRMED. WILL HE USE IT FAIRLY? WILL USE IT IN A WAY THAT RESPECTS LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION? WILL HE USE IT IN A WAY THAT EASES TENSIONS AMONG OUR COMMUNITIES AND LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS? WILL HE BE INDEPENDENT OF THE WHITE HOUSE? WILL HE TELL THE PRESIDENT KNOW WHEN NECESSARY AND FAITHFULLY ENFORCE ETHICS LAWS AND CONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTIONS? WE WILL ASK QUESTIONS AND PRESS FOR ANSWERS. ULTIMATELY WE MUST DETERMINE WHETHER SENATOR SESSIONS CAN BE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR ALL OF OUR PEOPLE. MISTER CHAIRMAN, I WOULD LIKE TO CONCLUDE WITH ONE FINAL POINT. WE CANNOT IGNORE THAT THERE ARE DEEP CONCERNS AND ANXIETIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA. THERE IS A DEEP FEAR ABOUT WHAT A TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WILL BRING IN MANY PLACES AND THIS IS THE CONTEXT IN WHICH WE MUST CONSIDER SENATOR SESSIONS'S RECORD AND NOMINATION TO BECOME THE CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT OF AMERICA. COMMUNITIES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER THEY WILL BE ABLE TO RELY ON THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. THESE FREEDOMS ARE SO CHERISHED, THEY ARE WHAT MAKE US UNIQUE AMONG NATIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN SIT INS, PROTESTS AND WRITING AND THE COMMITTEE HAS RECEIVED LETTERS OF OPPOSITION FROM 400 DIFFERENT CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS, 1400 LAW PROFESSORS, I THOUSAND LAW STUDENTS, A BROAD TASK FORCE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT OPPOSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, 70 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS AND MANY, MANY OTHERS IT ALL THESE LETTERS EXPRESS DEEP ANXIETY ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THIS COUNTRY AND WHETHER THIS NOMINEE WILL ENFORCE THE LAW FAIRLY, EVENLY, WITHOUT PERSONAL BIAS. SO I HOPE TODAY'S QUESTIONS ARE PROBING AND THE ANSWERS.. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE HAVE TO KNOW WHETHER THIS MAN CAN DISPATCH HIMSELF FROM THE PRESIDENT AND FROM HIS RECORD AND VOTE IN FULL ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA....

THANK YOU, SENATOR EINSTEIN WAS BEFORE I TURNED TO SENATOR SHELBY FOR AN OPENING STATEMENT I NOTE THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE INDICATING SHE HOPED TO JOIN OUR COLLEAGUES IN INTRODUCING SENATOR SESSIONS, SHE STRONGLY SUPPORTS HIS NOMINATION. IT IS A POWERFUL LETTER AND I...

HOPE MY COLLEAGUES WILL TAKE TIME TO READ IT AND I HOPE TO HAVE IT ENTERED INTO THE RECORD AT THIS POINT. NOW TO SENATOR SHELBY AND SENATOR COLLINS IN THAT ORDER, PROCEED. >> CHAIRMAN GRASSLEY, RANKING MEMBER FEINSTEIN, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE PART OF THIS HISTORIC HEARING TODAY. ALTHOUGH MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE JEFF SESSIONS IS WELL KNOWN TO MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE IT IS MY DISTINCT PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE HIM AS PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S NOMINEE TO SERVE AS OUR NEXT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL. BEFORE JOINING THE SENATE, JEFF SESSIONS BEGAN HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER AS A PRACTICING ATTORNEY AND SERVED AS UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR ALABAMA SOUTHERN DISTRICT BEFORE BECOMING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA. DURING THE PAST 20 YEARS IN THE U.S. SENATE THAT I SERVED WITH JEFF SESSIONS I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW HIM WELL NOT JUST AS A SKILLED ATTORNEY WITH AN ACCOMPLISHED RECORD AS A PROSECUTOR AND LEGISLATOR BUT AS A MAN OF EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER. I HAVE THE HIGHEST REGARD NOT ONLY FOR HIS INTELLECT BUT HIS INTEGRITY. UNFORTUNATELY, SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS NOMINATION JEFF'S POLITICAL OPPONENTS HAVE ATTACKED HIS CHARACTER WITH BASELESS AND TIRED ALLEGATIONS BUT IN REALITY JEFF SESSIONS'S EXTENSIVE RECORD OF TREATING ALL AMERICANS EQUALLY UNDER THE LAW IS CLEAR AND WELL DOCUMENTED. THROUGHOUT DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE INCLUDING HIS IMPRESSIVE TENURE ON THIS COMMITTEE JEFF'S COMMITMENT TO UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW IS UNPARALLELED. THE INTEGRITY, HUMILITY AND GRAVITY WITH WHICH JEFF SESSIONS WILL APPROACH THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IS UNQUESTIONABLE. I HAVE NO DOUBT, MISTER CHAIRMAN, THAT HE WILL APPLY THE LAW WITH IMPARTIALITY THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE JOB. I'M ALSO CONFIDENT THAT THIS COMMITTEE WILL REPORT FAVORABLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY JEFF SESSIONS'S NOMINATION TO BE YOUR NEXT ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. >> THANK YOU, MISTER CHAIRMAN. MISTER CHAIRMAN, SENATOR FEINSTEIN, MEMBERS OF THIS DISTINGUISHED COMMITTEE. I AM PLEASED TO JOIN SENATOR SHELBY IN PRESENTING MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, SENATOR JEFF SESSIONS AND TO OFFER MY SUPPORT FOR HIS NOMINATION TO BE OUR NEXT ATTORNEY GENERAL. [SHOUTING] >>...

JEFF SESSIONS WAS FIRST SWORN INTO THE UNITED STATES SENATE ON THE VERY SAME DAY. IN THE 20 YEARS SINCE WE WORKED CLOSELY ON SOME ISSUES AND ON OPPOSITE SIDES ON OTHERS. IT WOULD BE FAIR TO SAY THAT WE HAVE HAD OUR SHARE OF VIGOROUS DEBATE AND POLICY DISAGREEMENTS. THROUGH THESE EXPERIENCES I HAVE COME TO KNOW SENATOR SESSIONS PROFESSIONALLY AS TRUSTED COLLEAGUE AND PERSONALLY IS A GOOD FRIEND. I CAN VOUCH CONFIDENTLY FOR THE FACT THAT JEFF SESSIONS IS A PERSON OF INTEGRITY, A PRINCIPLED LEADER AND A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT. AS A SENATOR JEFF SESSIONS WORKED ACROSS THE AISLE TO LEAD IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE REFORMS. HE HAS WORKED WITH SENATOR DICK DURBIN TO PASSED THE FAIR SENTENCING ACT, A LAW THAT ADDRESSED THE UNFAIR RACIAL DISPARITY IN CRACK COCAINE SENTENCING. HE WORKED WITH SENATOR TED KENNEDY TO PASS THE PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT AND WITH SENATOR CHRIS COONS ON THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE ACT. AN AREA WHERE SENATOR SESSIONS AND I HAVE WORKED TOGETHER IS IN OPPOSING UNFAIR TRADE AGREEMENTS AND PRACTICES THAT HURT AMERICAN WORKERS. WHAT I WANT THIS COMMITTEE AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO KNOW IS THAT JEFF SESSIONS IS THE SAME GENUINE, FAIR-MINDED PERSON IN PRIVATE MOMENTS AS HE IS IN THE HALLS OF THE SENATE. WE FIRST CAME TO KNOW EACH OTHER DURING DINNERS WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SENATE CLASS WHERE WE DISCUSSED EVERYTHING FROM OUR POLITICS TO OUR FAMILIES. I HAVE NEVER WITNESSED ANYTHING TO SUGGEST THAT SENATOR SESSIONS IS ANYONE OTHER THAN A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT AND A DECENT MAN. IN 1980, LONG BEFORE HE RAN FOR THE SENATE OR EVEN DREAMED OF BEING ATTORNEY GENERAL, JEFF SESSIONS SPONSORED THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEMBER OF THE MOBILE LIONS CLUB. AS US ATTORNEY, HE PROVIDED LEADERSHIP IN SUCCESSFUL CONVICTION OF TWO CLAN MEMBERS WHO HAD MURDERED AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN TEENAGER. AS RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IN 2009, HE APPOINTED THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO SERVE AS CHIEF COUNSEL TO THE REPUBLICAN MEMBERS. MY FRIENDS, THESE ARE NOT THE ACTIONS OF AN INDIVIDUAL MOTIVATED BY RACIAL ANIMUS. IN SPITE OF THIS STRONG RECORD, SENATOR SESSIONS'S NOMINATION HAS GENERATED CONTROVERSY. HE HAS HAD TO WITHSTAND SOME VERY PAINFUL ATTACKS ON HIS CHARACTER, BOTH YEARS AGO AND AGAIN TODAY, WITH LITTLE OR NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACTIONS OR THE RESPONSES HE HAS MADE TO THE ACCUSATIONS LEVIED AGAINST HIM. AS THIS COMMITTEE DEBATES THIS NOMINATION, I WOULD DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO AN IMPORTANT EPILOGUE TO JEFF SESSIONS'S NOMINATION 31 YEARS AGO TO BE A FEDERAL JUDGE. THE LATE SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER, PENNSYLVANIA, WAS A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE WHEN THE SESSIONS NOMINATION WAS CONSIDERED IN 1986. SENATOR SPECTER, THEN A REPUBLICAN, VOTED AGAINST JEFF SESSIONS. YEARS LATER, IN 2009, SENATOR SPECTER HAD SWITCHED PARTIES. HE WAS -- ASKED BY A REPORTER IF HE REGRETTED ANY OF THE MORE THAN 10,000 VOTES HE HAD CAST. OUT OF ALL OF THOSE VOTES, THEN DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SPECTER CITED JUST ONE. IT WAS HIS VOTE AGAINST CONFIRMING JEFF SESSIONS AS A FEDERAL JUDGE. WHEN ASKED WHY, SENATOR SPECTER REPLIED, QUOTE, BECAUSE I HAVE SINCE FOUND THAT SENATOR SESSIONS IS EGALITARIAN. IN OTHER WORDS, ONCE SENATOR SPECTER SERVED WITH JEFF SESSIONS AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW HIM, HE CHANGED HIS MIND. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL KEEP ARLEN SPECTER'S REFLECTIONS IN MIND AS THIS COMMITTEE EVALUATES SENATOR SESSIONS'S PUBLIC SERVICE, HIS CHARACTER, AND HIS FIDELITY TO THE RULE OF LAW. THE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE HAVE AN ADVANTAGE THAT SENATOR SPECTER DID NOT. THE VAST MAJORITY OF YOU HAVE ALREADY SERVED WITH SENATOR SESSIONS AND YOU KNOW HIM WELL. OF THIS COMMITTEE PLACES ITS TRUST IN HIM, I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT JEFF SESSIONS WILL EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL HONESTLY, FAITHFULLY AND FULLY IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE. THANK YOU, MISTER CHAIRMAN. THANK YOU, RANKING MEMBER FEINSTEIN AND MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE. >> THANK BOTH OF OUR COLLEAGUES FOR YOUR POWERFUL STATEMENT, APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH AND YOU ARE FREE TO GO AND WE CALL THE NOMINEE AT THIS POINT. [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] [INAUDIBLE CONVERSATIONS] >> SENATOR SESSIONS, BEFORE YOU ARE SEATED I WOULD LIKE TO ADMINISTER THE OATH. WOULD YOU RAISE YOUR HAND PLEASE AND ANSWER THIS QUESTION? DO YOU SWEAR THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE BEFORE THIS COMMITTEE WILL BE THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP YOU GOD? THANK YOU AND PLEASE BE SEATED. SENATOR SESSIONS, IT IS OUR NORMAL PROCESS THAT YOU DESIRE TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE THAT ARE WITH YOU INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY, I AM SURE YOU ARE VERY PROUD OF, YOU ARE FREE TO DO THAT IS GO IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR OPENING STATEMENT. >> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. TO HAVE THEM HERE WITH ME, MY WIFE MARY, MY BEST FRIEND HERE. WITHOUT HER LOVE AND SUPPORT, THE IT WOULD BE A PROCESS FOR ME. WE ARE SO PROUD TO BE HERE TODAY. OUR FOCUS -- >> THANK YOU. >> NOW STATIONED ON THE PACIFIC COAST. THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN, JANE RICKY AND JIMBO AND THEY WISH ME WELL THIS MORNING WAS MY DAUGHTER, RUTH, IF YOU WOULD STAND UP. AND HER HUSBAND, JOHN. JOHN IS AN ATTORNEY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND THEY HAVE FOUR CHILDREN AS YOU SEE BEFORE YOU TODAY. GRACE AND HANNAH AND JOANN AND STEVIE. PHOEBE AND JOANNA ARE TWINS AND WE ARE PROUD OF THEM. MY SON SAM IS A GRADUATE OF AUBURN AND...

ALABAMA. SORRY, SAM, ABOUT THE GAME LAST NIGHT. CONGRATULATIONS, WHEREVER HE IS. SAM IS AN ATTORNEY IN BIRMINGHAM AND IS MARRIED TO ANGELA, THEY HAVE FOUR CHILDREN, ALEXIS, LOUIS AND NICHOLAS. TEN GRANDCHILDREN, THE OLDEST IS 9. YOU CAN IMAGINE THE WEEK WE HAD AT THE BEACH IN ALABAMA THIS SUMMER. FINALLY I WANT TO EXPRESS HOW HUMBLED I AM TO HAVE RECEIVED SUCH OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY. MANY ARE HERE TODAY. WITH YOUR PERMISSION I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THOSE PRESENT PLEASED TO STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMBERS THAT ARE HERE TODAY, PLEASE STAND. EVERY MAJOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA HAS ENDORSED MY CANDIDACY. I FEEL THE WEIGHT OF THE CONFIDENCE THEY PLACED IN ME, GENTLEMEN AND LADIES, I WILL DO MY BEST TO BE WORTHY OF THAT. IF I MAY, MISTER CHAIRMAN, YESTERDAY WAS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER APPRECIATION DAY. SADLY ON THAT DAY WE LOST TWO OF OUR BRAVE OFFICERS. ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT MASTER SERGEANT DEBRA CLAYTON, ONE OF THE FIRST OFFICERS TO RESPOND TO THE ORLANDO NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING IN JUNE, WAS SHOT AND KILLED WHILE CONFRONTING A SUBJECT WANTED FOR MURDER. SERGEANT CLAYTON, 17 YEAR VETERAN OF THE FORCE, MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN. WHILE ASSISTING IN THE SEARCH FOR THAT ASSAILANT ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY FIRST CLASS NORMAN LEWIS WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON HIS MOTORCYCLE. HE WAS AN 11 YEAR VETERAN OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THESE HONORABLE AND DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO KEEPING THEIR COMMUNITY SAFE AND WE SHOULD REMEMBER THEM AND KEEP THEM IN OUR FAMILIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN OUR PRAYERS. >> CHAIRMAN GRASSLEY, RANKING MEMBER FEINSTEIN, DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, I AM HONORED TO APPEAR BEFORE YOU TODAY. I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO YOUR QUESTIONS AS YOU DISCHARGE YOUR DUTY IN THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS AS PRESCRIBED BY THE CONSTITUTION. I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY DEAR FRIENDS. >> NO FASCIST USA. NO KKK, NO FASCIST USA. [SHOUTING] >> AND STAY IN THE STREET? [SHOUTING] >> NO KKK, NO FASCIST USA! >> IF I WRITE, DEAR FRIENDS, I WANT TO THANK RICHARD SHELBY, MY COLLEAGUE AND SUSAN COLLINS FOR THE GENEROUS INTRODUCTION. IT WAS VERY MOVING AND TOUCHING. HARD TO BELIEVE THE THREE OF US HAVE SERVED TOGETHER IN THIS BODY ALMOST 20 YEARS WAS WHEN I ARRIVED IN THE SENATE IN 1997 I PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE ANTICIPATED BECOMING SO CLOSE TO THE COLLEAGUE FROM MAINE, TWO PEOPLE FROM NORTHERNMOST PART OF OUR COUNTRY AND SOUTHERNMOST PART OF OUR COUNTRY. [SHOUTING] >> A FASCIST REGIME, WE HAVE TO STOP THEM! YOU ARE A PIG! >> IT TOOK US A WHILE TO UNDERSTAND OUR ACCENT BUT ONCE WE BECAME FAST FRIENDS. RICHARD SHELBY AND I NEVER HAD AN ACCENT PROBLEM. HE WAS A STEADFAST FRIEND AND I THINK WE HAVE BEEN A PRETTY GOOD TEAM REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF ALABAMA AND THE UNITED STATES WHICH I THINK PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP FOR THE CONFIDENCE AND TRUST HE HAS SHOWN IN ME BY NOMINATING ME TO SERVE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES. I FEEL THE WEIGHT OF AN HONOR GREATER THAN US. OF CONFERENCE I WILL COMMIT TO YOU AND TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO BE WORTHY OF THE OFFICE AND SPECIAL TRUST THAT COMES WITH IT. I COME BEFORE YOU AS A COLLEAGUE WHO HAS WORKED WITH YOU FOR YEARS AND SOME OF YOU 20 YEARS. YOU KNOW WHO I AM, YOU KNOW WHAT I BELIEVE IN, YOU KNOW THAT I AM A MAN OF MY WORD AND CAN BE TRUSTED TO DO WHAT I SAY I WILL DO. YOU KNOW THAT I REVERE THE CONSTITUTION, THAT I AM COMMITTED TO THE RULE OF LAW AND YOU KNOW I BELIEVE IN FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY AND EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW. OVER THE YEARS YOU HAVE HEARD ME SAY MANY TIMES THAT I LOVE THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NORMAL POLITICAL OFFICE AND ANYONE WHO HOLDS IT MUST HAVE TOTAL FIDELITY TO THE LAWS AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. HE OR SHE MUST BE COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING THE LAW. HE OR SHE MUST BE WILLING TO TELL THE PRESIDENT OR OTHER TOP OFFICIALS, IF HE OR THEY OVERREACH. HE OR SHE CANNOT BE A NEAR RUBBERSTAMP. HE OR SHE MUST SET THE EXAMPLE FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND ENSURE THAT WHEN THEY DO THE RIGHT THING THEY KNOW THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BACKED HIM UP NO MATTER WHAT POLITICIANS MIGHT CALL OR WHAT POWERFUL SPECIAL INTERESTS, INFLUENTIAL CONTRIBUTOR OR FRIEND MIGHT TRY TO INTERVENE. THE MESSAGE MUST BE CLEAR. EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO DO THEIR DUTY. THAT IS THE WAY I WAS EXPECTED TO PERFORM AS ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY WORKING FOR GENERAL LEAD AND PART OF MY CAREER. THAT IS THE WAY I TRAINED WHEN I BECAME UNITED STATES ATTORNEY AND IF CONFIRMED, THAT IS THE WAY I WILL LEAD THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. IN MY OVER 14 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE I TRIED CASES PERSONALLY EVERY TIME, DRUG TRAFFICKING, VERY LARGE INTERNATIONAL SMUGGLING CASES, FIREARMS CASES, VIOLENT CRIMES, A SERIES OF PUBLIC CORRUPTION CASES OF SIGNIFICANCE, FINANCIAL WRONGDOING, ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS. MY OFFICE SUPPORTED HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS CASES AND MAJOR CIVIL CASES, PROTECTING THE PEOPLE FROM CRIME AND ESPECIALLY VIOLENT CRIME IS A HIGH CALLING OF MEN AND WOMEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. TODAY IT HAS BECOME MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. SINCE THE EARLY 1980s, GOOD POLICING AND PROSECUTION OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS HAVE BEEN A STRONG FORCE IN REDUCING CRIME, MAKING US SAFER. DRUG USE AND MURDERS ARE HALF WHAT THEY WERE IN 1980 WHEN I BECAME A UNITED STATES ATTORNEY. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE RECENT JUMP IN VIOLENT CRIME AND MURDER RATES ARE NOT ANOMALIES BUT THE BEGINNING OF A DANGEROUS TREND THAT COULD REDUCE THOSE HARD WON GAINS THAT MADE AMERICA A SAFER MORE PROSPEROUS PLACE. THE LATEST FBI STATISTICS SHOW THAT ALL CRIMES INCREASED 4% FROM 2014 TO 2015, THE LARGEST INCREASE SINCE 1991 WITH MURDERS INCREASING 11%, THE SINGLE LARGEST INCREASE SINCE 1971. IN 2016 THERE WERE 4368 SHOOTING VICTIMS IN CHICAGO, BALTIMORE HOMICIDES REACHED THE SECOND HIGHEST PER CAPITA EVER. THE COUNTRY IS IN THE THROES OF A HEROIN EPIDEMIC WITH OVERDOSE DEATH TRIPLE BETWEEN 2010 TO 2014, TRIPLE, NEARLY 50,000 PEOPLE A YEAR DIE FROM DRUG OVERDOSE. MEANWHILE THE ILLEGAL DRUGS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN BORDER INTO EVERY CITY AND TOWN IN THE COUNTRY BRINGING VIOLENCE, ADDICTION AND MISERY. WE MUST NOT LOSE PERSPECTIVE WHEN DISCUSSING THE STATISTICS WHICH WE MUST REMEMBER THESE CRIMES HAVE BEEN COMMITTED AGAINST REAL PEOPLE, REAL VICTIMS. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY ARE KEPT IN THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS IN THESE CONVERSATIONS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEIR RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED. SO THESE TRANSPLANTS CANNOT CONTINUE. IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL CIVIL RIGHT TO BE SAFE IN YOUR HOME AND YOUR COMMUNITY. IF I AM CONFIRMED WE WILL SYSTEMATICALLY PROSECUTE CRIMINALS WHO USE DRUGS IN COMMITTING CRIMES. MY OFFICE WITH A NATIONAL LEADER IN GUN PROSECUTIONS NEARLY EVERY YEAR. WE PARTNER WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TAKE ON MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING CARTELS AND DISMANTLE CRIMINAL GANGS. IT WILL BE MY PRIORITY TO CONFRONT THESE CRIMES VIGOROUSLY, EFFECTIVELY, AND IMMEDIATELY. APPROXIMATELY 90% OF ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE NOT FEDERAL BUT STATE AND LOCAL. THEY ARE THE ONES ON THE FRONT LINE, THE BETTER EDUCATED, TRAINED AND EQUIPPED THAN EVER BEFORE, THEY ARE THE ONES WE RELY ON TO KEEP NEIGHBORHOODS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN SCHOOLS SAFE. IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS LAW ENFORCEMENT AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN UNFAIRLY MALIGNED AND BLAMED FOR UNACCEPTABLE ACTIONS OF A FEW OF THEIR BAD ACTORS WAS THEY BELIEVE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN THE COUNTRY HAS ABANDONED THEM. THEY FELT THEY HAVE BECOME TARGETS. MORALE HAS SUFFERED AND LAST YEAR UNDER INTENSE PUBLIC CRITICISM A NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY INCREASED BY 10% OVER 2015 AND FIREARM DEATHS OF POLICE OFFICERS ARE UP 68%. THIS IS A WAKE-UP CALL, IT CANNOT CONTINUE. IF WE ARE MORE EFFECTIVE IN DEALING WITH RISING CRIME WE HAVE TO RELY AND WORK WITH MORE EFFECTIVELY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, ASKING THEM TO LEAD THE WAY. DOING THAT THEY MUST UNDERSTAND THEIR SUPPORT AND IF I'M FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE CONFIRMED ATTORNEY GENERAL, THEY WILL HAVE MY SUPPORT IN THEIR LAWFUL DUTIES. AS I DISCUSSED WITH MANY OF YOU IN A MEETING PRIOR TO THIS HEARING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS AREA ALSO. WE MUST USE THE RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE AND TRAINING DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO HELP THESE AGENCIES DEVELOPING THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND LAWFUL LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO REDUCE CRIME. WE MUST REESTABLISH AND STRENGTHEN THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FEDERAL AND LOCAL OFFICERS TO ENHANCER UNIFIED EFFORT TO REVERSE THE RISING CRIME TRENDS. I DID THIS AS UNITED STATES ATTORNEY. I WENT DIRECTLY AND CONTINUOUSLY TO LOCAL, STATE, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. IF CONFIRMED, THIS WILL BE ONE OF MY PRIORITY OBJECTIVES. THERE ARE MANY THINGS THE DEPARTMENT CAN DO TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCAL OFFICERS TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES, COMMUNITY-BASED POLICING HAS BEEN PROVEN TO WORK. I AM COMMITTED TO THIS EFFORT AND ENSURING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IS A UNIFYING FORCE FOR IMPROVING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE, THIS COUNTRY AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. THIS IMPORTANT IN OUR MINORITY COMMUNITIES. MAKE NO MISTAKE, POSITIVE RELATIONS AND GREAT COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND THEIR POLICE ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ANY GOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT AND WHEN POLICE FAIL IN THEIR DUTIES, THEY MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I HAVE DONE THESE THINGS AS UNITED STATES ATTORNEY. I HAVE WORKED TO ADVANCE THESE POLICIES. IN RECENT YEARS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVE BEEN CALLED UPON TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM THE RISING THREAT OF TERRORISM THAT HAS REACHED OUR SHORES WHICH IF I AM CONFIRMED, PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FROM THE SCOURGE OF RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM WILL CONTINUE TO BE A TOP PRIORITY. WE WILL WORK DILIGENTLY TO RESPOND TO THE THREAT USING ALL LAWFUL MEANS TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE, PARTNERSHIPS WILL BE VITAL TO ACHIEVING MORE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AGAINST CYBERTHREATS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEARLY HAS A LEAD ROLE TO PLAY IN THAT ESSENTIAL EFFORT. WE MUST HONESTLY ASSESS OUR VULNERABILITIES AND HAVE A CLEAR PLAN FOR DEFENSE AND OFFENSE WHEN IT COMES TO CYBERSECURITY. THAT PART OF JUSTICE MUST NEVER FALTER IN ITS OBLIGATION TO PROTECT CIVIL RIGHTS OF EVERY AMERICAN PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO A SPECIAL PRIORITY FOR ME WILL BE THE AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT TO ENSURE ACCESS TO THE BALLOT FOR EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AND TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS WHICH HAS BEEN A GREAT HERITAGE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. FURTHER, THIS GOVERNMENT MUST IMPROVE ITS ABILITY TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES FROM FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE. THIS IS A FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE A SINGLE DOLLAR TO CORRUPTION AND YOU CAN BE SURE IF I AM CONFIRMED I WILL MAKE IT A HIGH PRIORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO ROOT OUT AND PROSECUTE FRAUD IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND RECOVER MONEY LOST DUE TO FRAUD AND FALSE CLAIMS AS WELL AS CONTRACTING FRAUD ON ISSUES OF THAT KIND. .. I WANT TO ADDRESS PERSONALLY THAN MEN AND WOMEN THAT WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DOES THAT FULFILL THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE NATION. I KNOW THEM IN THE CULTURE OF THEIR AGENCIES, THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES ARE PRESENT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE WORLD. I KNOW THEIR INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM AND I PLEDGE TO THEM A UNITY OF EFFORT THAT IS UNMATCHED. TOGETHER WE CAN AND WILL REACH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AND RESULTS AND IT WOULD BE THE GREATEST HONOR FOR ME TO LEAD THESE PUBLIC SERVANTS. TO MY COLLEAGUE I APPRECIATE THE TIME YOU'VE TAKEN TO MEET ME ONE-ON-ONE. WE DON'T ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE MATTERS FACE-TO-FACE. I UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE CONVICTION THAT YOU BRING EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NOT ALWAYS BE IN AGREEMENT, YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECTFUL OF MY POSITIONS. IN OUR MEETINGS OVER THE PAST WEEK'S, YOU'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE WITH ME AND/ORRELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT FROM THE UNPROSECUTED CRIMES ON TRIBAL LANDS, A MATTER THAT IS GREATER THAN I HAD UNDERSTOOD, TO DISCOURAGE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILD EXPLOITATION TO CONCERNS ABOUT GRANT PROGRAMS TO THE PROTECTION OF AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTY AND HEROINE OVERDOSE DEATH TO NAME JUST A FEW THINGS. I LEARNED A LOT WITH SENATOR WHITE HOUSE WHO DISCUSSED A GREAT DEAL OF KNOWLEDGE AND I'M GLAD SENATOR WHITE HOUSE YOU AND SENATOR GRAHAM HAVE TAKEN A LEAD ON THIS IMPORT AND ISSUE AND I THINK WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE SOME PROGRESS. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FOOTBALL VICTORY. [LAUGHTER] >> I WANT TO SHARE CONCERNS AND REFLECTIONS. AS I MOVE FORWARD I WILL ENDEAVOR TO KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS OPEN AND HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE THE FRIENDSHIP. IN THAT REGARD, IF I AM CONFIRMED I'D WOULD COMMIT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WILL BE RESPONSIVE TO CONGRESS AND WE WILL WORK WITH YOU ON OUR PRIORITY USING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH GUIDANCE WHERE APPROPRIATE AND WE WILL RESPECT YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY AS AN OVERSIGHT ROLE IN THE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT SEPARATION OF POWER BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCH. LET ME ADDRESS ANOTHER ISSUE STRAIGHT ON FAILING TO PROTECT THE VOTING RIGHTS OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS BY PRESENTING THEM HERE IN THE VOTER FRAUD CASE AND IN THAT CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATES AND ORGANIZATIONS AND EVEN AMAZINGLY SYMPATHIES. THESE ARE FALSE CHARGES. MY OFFICE PROSECUTED IN RESPONSE TO THE PLEA IS FOR FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO CLAIM THE ABSENTEE BALLOT PROCESS INVOLVED A SITUATION WHICH BALANCE FOR THEM WAS STOLEN FOR THEIR OPPONENTS. THE PROSECUTION SOUGHT TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY BOUGHT THE BLOCK VOTING. IT WAS A VOTING RIGHTS CASE AND I INVITED CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEYS FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. TO HELP US SOLVE A VERY DIFFICULT INVESTIGATION TO THE UNCONSCIONABLE HORRENDOUS DEATH OF OUR YOUNGDEATHSOF FOUR YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICANS COMING HOME FROM THE 711'S DOOR AT NIGHT SIMPLY BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. IT WAS APPROPRIATE IN THIS CASE. THE DEFENDANT WAS CONVICTED IN THE TEN YEARS LATER IRONICALLY AS ALABAMA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL, MY STAFF PARTICIPATED AND SENTENCED AFTER A FEW MONTHS WHEN I BECAME A UNITED STATES SENATOR AND THAT KLANSMEN WAS EXECUTED. I INSISTED ON THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER THAT LED TO THE SUCCESSFUL COLLAPSE OF THE CLAN AT LEAST IN ALABAMA THE SEIZURE OF THE BUILDING FOR THE PERIOD OF TIME AS THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION ATTORNEYS TESTIFIED BEFORE THE COMMITTEE, I SUPPORTED THE HISTORIC CASES THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT FILED TO ADVANCE CIVIL RIGHTS AND I SUPPORTED INCLUDING CASES TO DESEGREGATE SCHOOLS, ABOLISH AT-LARGE ELECTIONS FOR CITIES, COUNTY COMMISSIONS AND THE SCHOOL BOARDS. THESE AT-LARGE WERE MECHANISMS USED TO BLOCK CANDIDATES FROM BEING ABLE TO BE ELECTED. IT WAS DELIBERATE AND PART OF THE PLAN TO HAVE INFLUENCE IN THE GOVERNING PROCESS. I NEVER DECLARED THE NAACP NOR A CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY WAS A DISGRACE TO ITS RACE. THERE IS NOTHING I AM MORE PROUD OF THAN MY 14 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. I HOLD DEAR ITS HIGHEST IDEALS AND GOD GIVE ME THE ABILITY I WILL WORK EVERY DAY TO BE WORTHY OF THE DEMAND. YOU CAN BE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT I UNDERSTAND THE IMMENSE RESPONSIBILITY I WOULD HAVE. I AM NOT NAIVE AND I KNOW THE THREATS OF THE COUNTRY AND OF HEROISM. I DEEPLY UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE COUNTRY AND THE IMPACT OF THE RELENTLESS ANTI-SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION AND DENIAL OF VOTING RIGHTS ON OUR AFRICAN-AMERICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS. WE MUST CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD AND NEVER BACK. THE SAFETY IS FULLY ENFORCED AND VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND ABUSE ABUSE THAT I'M SO FORTUNATE TO BE CONFIRMED AS YOUR ATTORNEY GENERAL CUMMINGS YOU WILL NOTE THAT I WILL UNDERSTAND THE ABSOLUTE. THEY MUST FALL WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES. WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE LIMITS OF THE ABILITY, AND I CERTAINLY DO. THEY WILL BE OUR PARTNERS MANY FRIENDS AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS THAT I'VE HAD IN LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL BE RESPECTED. IT'S THE FOUNDATION OF THE COUNTRY FROM AN ACCEPTABLE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA I HAVE AN ABIDING COMMITMENT OF PURSUING AND ACHIEVING JUSTICE IN A RECORD OF DOING THAT AND IF CONFIRMED I'D WILL GIVE ALL OF MY EFFORTS TO THIS GOAL....

I ONLY ASK YOU DO THIS DUTY AS YOUR CHARGED IN THE CONSTITUTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURTESY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER HEARINGS. >> BEFORE I ASK THE QUESTIONS I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN THE SENATE BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TAKING ON RESPONSIBILITYTHERESPONSIBILITY THAT YOU'VE BEEN NOMINATED FOR AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR OPENING STATEMENT. I'M GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO MENTIONMENTION A LOT OF THE NAMES OF YOUR FAMILY WITH YOU AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WE MAY NOT HAVE THEIR NAME AND I WOULD ASK THE STAFF TO PUT IN THAT RECORD THE NAMES OF OTHER PEOPLE ACCOMPANYING YOU TODAY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO GIVE US THAT NAME. IT IS A PROUD DAY FOR YOU, YOUR WIFE, YOUR SON AND DAUGHTER. I WELCOME YOU ALL. NOW TO THE QUESTIONING. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL I'VE WILL TAKE TEN MINUTES AND THEN SENATOR FEINSTEIN WILL GO BACK AND FORTH. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IS OF COURSE THE NATIONS CHIEF LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. HE OR SHE IS NOT THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER NOR IS HE THE THE PRESIDENT SWINGMAN AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER DESCRIBED HIMSELF. RATHER, HE OR SHE HAS AN INDEPENDENT OBLIGATION TO THE CONSTITUTION AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. I KNOW THAT YOU CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THIS FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE. SO, I AM GOING TO ASK YOU A QUESTION I'VE HEARD YOU ASK OTHER NOMINEES FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. OCCASIONALLY, YOU WILL BE CALLED UPON TO OFFER AN OPINION TO THE PRESENT WHO APPOINTED YOU. YOU WILL HAVE TO TELL HIM YES OR NO AND SOMETIMES PRESIDENTS DON'T LIKE TO BE TOLD NO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WILL YOU BE ABLE TO STAND UP AND SAY NO TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS IN YOUR JUDGMENT THE WALL DEMANDS IT AND THE REASON I ASK IS BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WORKED VERY HARD FOR THE PRESIDENT ELECT. >> I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR QUESTION. I UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND I WILL DO SO. YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO HELP THE PRESIDENT DO THINGS HE DESIRES AND YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SAY NO. I UNDERSTAND THAT AND OBSERVED IT THROUGH MY YEARS AND I WILL FULFILL THAT RESPONSIBILITY. >> THE LIGHT ISN'T WORKING. I'M SORRY. I CAN READ IT NOW. I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID TO LET ME EMPHASIZE AND FOLLOW-UP IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CHOSEN COURSE OF ACTION AND YOU TOLD HIM SO HE AND HE INTENDS TO PURSUE THAT COURSE OF ACTION ANYWAY, WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS AT THAT POINT >> I THINK IN ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD FIRST WORK WITH THE PRESIDENT, HELP TO HAVE THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT AND AVOID A SITUATION THAT WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE. I DO BELIEVE IF AN ATTORNEY GENERAL IS ASKED TO DO SOMETHING HE CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THAT AND THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO RESIGN ALTERNATELY BEFORE AGREEING TO EXECUTE A POLICY THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BELIEVES WOULD BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WANTS TO KNOW WHERE THOSE LINES ARE TO HELP THE PRESIDENT WHERE POSSIBLE AND HAVE UNACCEPTABLE ACTIONS. >> YOU SERVED IN THE DEPARTMENT FOR 14 OR 15 YEARS. YOU SERVED AS STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND OF OF COURSE USURPED ON THIS COMMITTEE FOR A LONG TIME AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD DONE FOR 20 YEARS. I'VE HAD MY SHARE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS INTO SOME OF THOSE WERE PURELY POLICY DISAGREEMENTS WITH SOME ISSUES WERE TROUBLING TO ME IN THAT THE DEPARTMENT FAILED TO PERFORM FUNDAMENTAL FUNCTIONS TO ENFORCE THE LAW. AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, ATTORNEY GENERAL, DAY IN AND DAY OUT, YOU WILL FACE SOME PROBLEMS. WHAT WILL YOUR APPROACH BE TO ENSURE THAT THE DEPARTMENT ENFORCES THE LAW AND MORE BROADLY WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE DEPARTMENT? >> THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IS TO EXECUTE THE LAW PASSED BY THIS CONGRESS AND FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION AND THE PROCESS. YOU CAN REST ASSURED I UNDERSTAND THAT AND WHETHER THE LAW SHOULD BE PASSED. BUT ONE THIS PAST I WILL DO MY BEST TO ENSURE. WE HAVE A PROBLEM I WON'T GO INTO UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO DESCRIBE WHAT WE CAN DO TO ADDRESS THAT AND THERE ARE OTHER CHALLENGES THE COUNTRY FACES I WOULD BE PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE INFLUENCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AND WELCOME THE INSIGHTS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE. >> THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE YOU WITH ME WITH ME AND I SUPPOSE EVERY COLLEAGUE HERE. IS IT FAIR TO SAY REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR PHYSICIAN MAY HAVE BEEN AS A LEGISLATURE, YOUR APPROACH IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL BE ABLE TO ENFORCE THE LAW REGARDLESS OF POLICY DIFFERENCES. >> ABSOLUTELY MR. CHAIRMAN. I DON'T THINK I HAVE ANY HESITATION OR LACK OF AN ABILITY TO SEPARATE THE ROLE THAT I HAVE HAD TO GO FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AS A TRANSFER OF NOT ONLY A POSITION THAT THE WAY THAT YOU APPROACH ISSUES I WOULD BE IN AN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION OF THE LAW IN THE GREAT LEGISLATIVE BODY MIGHT PASS. >> DURING THE COURSE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN HE MADE A NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS IN THE FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON RELATING TO HER HANDLING OF SENSITIVE E-MAILS, AND REGARDING CERTAIN ACTIONS OF THE CLINTON FOUNDATION. I WAS CRITICAL AS WERE MANY AMERICANS ON THOSE MATTERS BUT NOW YOU'VE BEEN NOMINATED TO SERVE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL AND IN LIGHT OF THE COMMENTS YOU MADE, SOME HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER WHETHER YOU HAVE APPROACHED THE CLINTON MATTER IMPARTIALLY IN BOTH FACT AND APPEARANCE. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS? >> A HIGHLY CONTENTIOUS CAMPAIGN, I LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE MADE COMMENTS ABOUT THE ISSUES IN THAT CAMPAIGN WITH REGARDS TO SECRETARY CLINTON AND SOME OF THE COMMENTS I MADE IT AS I COULDIF I COULDFIX MY OBJECTIVITY IN QUESTION. THE PROPER THING FOR ME TODAY WOULD BE RE- QUEUES MYSELF FROM ANY QUESTIONS INVOLVING THIS KIND OF INVESTIGATIONS THAT WERE RAISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN. LET ME FOLLOW UP WITH A QUESTION TO BE CLEAR YOU INTEND TO RE- QUEUES YOUR SELF FROM THE INVESTIGATION OF ANY FOUNDATION IF THERE ARE ANY. >> YES. >> LET ME FOLLOW UP AGAIN BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT. WHEN YOU SAVE THIS YOU MEAN YOU WILL ACTUALLY RE- QUEUES AND THE DECISION WILL THEREFORE FALL TO THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL I ASK BECAUSE AFTER THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MET WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON IN THE NEXT SHE SAID SHE WOULD BE FOR TO THE FBI BUT SHE NEVER OFFICIALLY REFUSED. >> THOUGH SHE DID NOT OFFICIALLY AND IF THERE'S A PROCEDURE FOR THAT I WOULD FOLLOW AND I BELIEVE THAT WOULD BE THE BEST APPROACH FOR THE COUNTRY BECAUSE WE CAN NEVER HAVE COULD NEVER HAVE A POLITICAL DISPUTE TURNED INTO A CRIMINAL DISPUTE. THERE WAS LOTS OF CHEST ABSOLUTE ACTIVITY THE COUNTRY DOESN'T HOLD TRUE TO ITS POLITICAL ENEMIES BUT ENSURES NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. >> YOU TOUCHED ON SOMETHING THAT IS DEAR TO ME AND THAT IS HAVING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH WORK WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, AND YOU ALSO MENTIONED WORKING WITH US ON OVERSIGHT BUT SINCE THAT'S IMPORTANT, THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY TOP PRIORITIES AND I'VE OFTEN SAID I'M AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OVERSEER AND OVER THE YEARS I'VE ASKED QUITE A FEW EXECUTIVE NOMINEES BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT TO RESPOND TO OVERSIGHT YOU SAID YOU WOULD, BUT IN MY EXPERIENCE NOMINEES ARE USUALLY PRETTY RECEPTIVE DURING THESE TYPE OF HEARINGS THAT AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED, OVERSIGHT DOES THE SAME TO BE A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THEM. AS I TOLD YOU WHEN WE MET PRIVATELY IN MY OFFICE, SOMETIMES I THINK THAT NOMINEES SHOULD GO AHEAD AND BE A LITTLE MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD DURING THE HEARINGS, AND INSTEAD OF SAYING YES TO EVERYTHING WE ASK ABOUT AN OVERSIGHT, IT WOULD BE MORE HONEST TO SAY MAYBE IF THEY WOULD RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS. NOW BECAUSE YOU SERVED ON THE COMMITTEE AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERSIGHT, I AM HOPING TO YOU WILL BE DIFFERENT THAN YOUR PREDECESSORS IN RESPONSE TO OVERSIGHT QUESTIONS. SO, I HAVE WITH ME AND I WILL GIVE TO ONE OF YOUR STAFF, A WHOLE BUNCH OF LETTERS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN ANSWERED YET. ONE OF THEM EVEN EVEN USE FIND WITH ME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND I HOPE THAT HE WOULD GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO SEE THAT THESE GET ANSWERED. THESE ARE ALL THE RESULT OF NOT GETTING ANSWERS FROM THE LAST ADMINISTRATION, SO I HOPE THAT HE WILL HELP ME GET ANSWERS TO AT LEAST THE ONES YOU HELPED ME WRITE. >> IT GOES BEYOND THAT. WE FOUND YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT BEFORE YOU FIND THAT THE AGENCIES AND THE DEPARTMENT TO GET RESPONSIVE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS THAT ARE PROPER. SOMETIMES THE DEPARTMENT OF CONGRESS ASKS FOR ISSUES THAT MAY BE HAS A LEGITIMATE REASON TO OBJECT, BUT THEY SHOULD OBJECT TO STATEWIDE. MR. CHAIRMAN, I WILL BE RESPONSIVE TO YOUR REQUEST AND UNDERSTAND YOUR HISTORY PERHAPS MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE IN CONGRESS TO ADVANCE THE IDEA OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. >> IF SENATOR FEINSTEIN CONTACTS YOU, DON'T USE THE EXCUSE THAT SO MANY DO IF YOU ARE NOT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION. I WANT HER QUESTIONS ANSWERED JUST LIKE YOU HAVE ANSWERED MINE....

THANK YOU. THAT WAS WELL BEYOND THE CALL. I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN WITH THE SECOND LARGEST INDUSTRY IN THE COUNTRY BY THE REVENUE PRODUCED SEX TRAFFICKING AND THEY ARE ON THE MOST VULNERABLE IN THE SOCIETY. THE AVERAGE AGE IS 12 TO 14. THEY ARE BEATEN, RAPED, ABUSED HIM AT TIMES HANDCUFFED AT NIGHT SO THEY CANNOT ESCAPE AND OFTEN MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE AND FORCED TO HAVE SEX WITH MULTIPLE MEN EACH NIGHT. THE JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS SIGNED INTO LAW IN 2015 CREATIVITY DOMESTIC TRAFFICKING VICTIM FUND FOR VICTIMS SERVICES TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. PARK CONTAINS UP TO 30 MILLION FOR HEALTHCARE OR MEDICAL ITEMS OR SERVICES TO TRAFFICKING VICTIMS. THESE ARE SUBJECT TO THE AMENDMENT THAT SHOWS NO APPROPRIATED FUNDING CAN BE USED TO PAY FOR ABORTION. HOWEVER, THE AMENDMENT AMENDMENT DOESN'T APPLY IN CASES OF RAPE. ON THE SENATE FLOOR, SENATOR CORBINCORNYN DESCRIBED AND I QUOTE EVERYONE KNOWS THE LANGUAGE CONTAINS AN EXCEPTION FOR RAPE AND HEALTH OF THE MOTHER OR SO UNDER THIS ACT SPENDING WOULDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO HELP THE DEMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. IN SHORT, THE SENATOR ASSERTED THAT THE AMENDMENT WHICH CONTAINS AN EXCEPTION FOR RAPE AND SAVE THE AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES. THE DOMESTIC TRAFFICKING FUNDS WOULD BEFUNDWOULD BE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. WILLWELL YOU ENSURE THAT THE GRANT ON ARE NOT DENIED SERVICE PROVIDERS THAT WILL ASSIST THE...

VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN OBTAINING COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES THEY NEED INCLUDING ABORTION IF THAT IS WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A YOUNGER GIRL IMPREGNATED DURING THIS PROLIFIC ABUSE. >> I APPRECIATE THAT QUESTION AND THE FACT THAT OUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN TALKING AND TAKING ACTION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS TO DEAL WITH SEX TRAFFICKING MORE EFFECTIVELY. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS THAT WE NEED TO BUT YOU AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN VERY OUTSPOKEN ABOUT THIS AND THEY ALL ARE CITIZENS GROUPS THAT FOCUSED ON IT SO IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. I DO APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERNS AND IT'S A MATTER THAT IT IS AND THOUGHT THROUGH. TO ASSIST IN THE ACTIVITY ACCORDING TO THE RULES ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS. >> I'M DELIGHTED THAT SENATOR CORNYN IS HERE AND I QUOTED HIM DIRECTLY FROM THE FLOOR THAT THE AMENDMENT WOULDN'T PREVENT THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUNDS. SO I HOPE THAT YOU WOULD AGREE TO THAT, AND CERTAINLY THAT IS MOST AKIN TO ME BECAUSE CONGRESS HAS SPOKEN. >> I UNDERSTAND THAT AND WE WOULD FOLLOW THE LAW. >> THEY HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND DETERMINED. WHEN I WAS A STUDENT AT STANFORD AND THEREAFTER IN THE EARLY 1960s I ACTUALLY SAT WITH WOMEN CONVICTED OF FELONY ABORTIONS TO STAY IN PRISON FOR A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF UP TO TEN YEARS AND THEY STILL WENT BACK TO IT BECAUSE THE NEED WAS SO GREAT AND SO WAS THE MORE THAN -- MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY. AS IT IS RECOGNIZED AND PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND THE SUPREME COURT'S RECENT DECISION IN WOMEN'S HEALTH IN FACT, THE COURT RECENTLY STRUCK DOWN REGULATIONS IMPOSED BY TEXAS ON WOMEN'S HEALTH CLINICS. YOU HAVE REFERRED TO ROW V. WADE AS ONE OF THE FIRST SUPREME COURT DECISIONS OF ALL TIMES. IS THAT STILL YOUR VIEW? >> IT VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTION AND IT IS THE LAW OF THE LAND AND ITS BEEN SO IT'S BEEN SO ESTABLISHED AND SETTLED FOR QUITE A LONG TIME, AND IT DESERVES RESPECT AND I WOULD RESPECT IT AND FOLLOW IT. >> ON NOVEMBER 14, 2016, APPEARING ON THE TV SHOW 60 MINUTES, THE PRESIDENT ELECT SAID THE ISSUE OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WAS ALREADY SETTLED. IT WAS SETTLED IN THE SUPREME COURT. IT'S DONE AND I'M FINE WITH THAT. DO YOU AGREE THE ISSUE IS SETTLED AND THE LAW? >> THE SUPREME COURT HAS RULED ON THAT AND WITH 5-FOR COMING IN FIVE JUSTICES ON THE SUPREME COURT, THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT HAVE ESTABLISHED THE DEFINITION FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND I WILL FOLLOW THAT DECISION. >> HERE'S ANOTHER QUESTION. IF YOU BELIEVE IT IS SETTLED THAT A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE IS NOT, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? >> THE WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE OUR ROW V. WADE AND IT'S NOT THE LAW OF THE LAND AND IT'S NOT CLEAR TODAY SO I WOULD FOLLOW THAT LAW. IT'S REPRESENTING LAW PROFESSORS IN EVERY STATE TO HAVE LAW SCHOOL. NOTHING IN SENATOR SESSIONS PUBLIC LIFE SINCE 1986 HAS CONVINCED US. ALL OF US BELIEVE THAT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR SOMEONE WITH SENATOR SESSIONS RECORD IT TO BLEED THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. I WANT YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS AND THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION HOW DO YOU INTEND TO PUT BEHIND YOU WANT ARE STRONGLY FELT PERSONAL VIEWS TO TAKE OFF THE POLITICAL HAT AND BE AN ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO ENFORCES THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION FOR ALL? >> I WOULD DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO SENATOR SPECTER WHO SAID THERE WAS A VOTE HE WOULD REGRET AND THAT WAS HE THOUGHT IT WAS AN EPIC A LA A LA KERRY IN PERSON AND TREAT PEOPLE EQUALLY AND RESPECTED PEOPLE EQUALLY. THIS CARICATURE OF ME IN 1986 WASN'T CORRECT. CORRECT. I'D BECOMEI BECOME THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY SUPPORTED AS A CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY SAID CIVIL RIGHTS CASES IN MY DISTRICT THAT INTEGRATED SCHOOLS AND PROSECUTED FOR PLANT AND ITS SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT STAFF HAD DENIED THE RIGHT TO HOLD OFFICE. WITH THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT PLAN CASE THAT I VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTED AND SUPPORTED OR FALSE AND I DO HOPE THIS HEARING TODAY WILL SHOW THAT I CONDUCTED MYSELF HONORABLY AND THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON MAY BE A LITTLE BETTER, I HOPE SO, MORE TODAY THAN I WAS THEN THAT I DIDN'T HARBOR THE KIND OF ANIMOSITY AND RACE-BASED DISCRIMINATION IDEAS THAT I WAS ACCUSED OF. >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIRMAN. >> SENATOR...

HATCH AND THEN SENATOR LEAHY. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED A LETTER OF SUPPORT ON THE NOMINATION FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL'S ASHCROFT AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF FORMER DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL'SDEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL'S THAT WROTE IN PART AS FOLLOWS BASED ON THE COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE WE KNOW HIM TO BE A PERSON ON THE BRAVERY AND DEDICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT TO ASSURE OUR COUNTRY IS GOVERNED AND I WOULD ASK TO PUT THAT...

LETTER A LETTER IN THE RECORD. >> YOU HAVE STRUCTURED THIS HEARING IN LINE AND YOU ARE INCLUDING MORE WITNESSES IN THIS HEARING. THERE'S MORE THAN 150,000 PAGES OF MATERIAL RELEVANT TO THE NOMINATION. MANY OF US HAVE SERVED WITH IN THE SENATE AND ON THE COMMITTEE. SENATOR SESSION WILL NOT POLITICIZE THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT BY USING ITS RESOURCES FOR A CRITICAL AGENDA. THEY MAKE UP ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER FOR A CARICATURE THAT THERE IS NO RESENTMENT TO THE NOMINEE THAT WAS BEFORE US TODAY. I'VE BEEN IN THE COMMITTEE FOR A LONG TIME AND I SEE THESE TACTICS USED BEFORE. THEY ARE NOT GOING TO WORK THIS TIME. IT SOUNDS A LITTLE STRANGE TO SAY THIS, BUT WELCOME TO THE SENATE. I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT ISSUES AND POLICIES YOU WILL BE ADDRESSING FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. PROHIBITING OBSCENITY IN THE 108TH CONGRESS YOU INTRODUCED RESOLUTION 77 PRESSING A SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT FEDERAL OBSCENITY LAWS SHOULD BE ENFORCED THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. IT PASSED THE SENATE UNANIMOUSLY AND IS THE ONLY RESOLUTION ON THE SUBJECT EVER PASSED BY EITHER THE SENATE OR THE HOUSE. SENATOR SESSIONS WITH YOUR PERMISSION I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU THE RESOLUTION ON THE UTAH LEGISLATURE ON WHY PORNOGRAPHY SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A PUBLIC-HEALTH PROBLEM AS WELL AS SOME OF THE LATEST RESOURCES INTO THE ARMS OF OBSCENITY IS IT STILL YOUR VIEW OF FEDERAL LAW THAT IT SHOULD BE VIGOROUSLY ENHANCED? >> THE WALLS ARE CLEAR AND PROSECUTED TODAY AND SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO BE EFFECTIVELY PROSECUTED IN THE CASES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE MAKING THIS A PRIORITY FOR THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WOULD YOU CONSIDER REESTABLISHING A SPECIFIC UNIT DEDICATED FOR THIS CATEGORY OF CRIME? >> I'M NOT SURE THAT I KNEW THAT, BUT IT WAS A PART OF THE JUSTICE FOR A LONG TIME AND I WOULD CONSIDER THAT. >> FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW THE REPRESENTATIVES AND I HAVE RAISED THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFEGUARDING THE DATA PRIVACY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE WITH UNAUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT ACCESS. THE ACT ESTABLISHES A LEGAL STANDARD FOR ACCESSING THE TERRITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS. THE NEED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE SOLUTION WAS REINFORCED IN JULY AND THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT HELD THAT THE LAW DOESN'T AUTHORIZE U.S. LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS TO ACCESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS STORED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. IF CONFIRMED, WILL YOU AND YOUR STAFF WORK WITH US TO STRENGTHEN PRIVACY AND PROMOTE TRUST IN THE UNITED STATES TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE WHILE ENABLING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FULFILL ITS PUBLIC SAFETY MISSION? >> I KNOW YOU WORKED HARD ON THAT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AS HAVE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SO WORKING THAT OUT, UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TECHNOLOGY BUT THE GREAT PRINCIPLES OF THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY, THE ABILITY OF INDIVIDUALS TO PROTECT THE DATA THAT THEY BELIEVE IS PRIVATE AND SHOULD BE PROTECTED, ALL OF THOSE ARE GREAT FISH USING THIS NEW TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD THAT WE ARE IN AND I DO NOT HAVE FIRM AND FAST OPINIONS ON THE SUBJECT. >> I WOULD LIKE TO TURN TO TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULDTHETECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS TO PROCESS DNA SAMPLES IN 90 MINUTES OR LESS. IF THE DIRECTOR TOLD THE COMMITTEE THE RAPID DNA WOULD HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT CHANGE THE WORLD IN A VERY EXCITING WAY. LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING ALL ENFORCEMENT TO USE THE TECHNOLOGY WHICH YOU COSPONSORED TO PASS LAST YEAR. I WAS DISAPPOINTED HOWEVER THAT IT GOT GOT TIED UP IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICEA CRIMINALJUSTICE REFORM EFFORTS ON THE HOUSE. WE SHOULD WORK TO PASS THE LEGISLATION SOONER...

RATHER THAN LATER FOR THE EFFORTS ON OTHER LEGISLATIVE ISSUES ON THE PATH FORWARD AS IT IS UNCLEAR. IT PRESENTS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO SOLVE CRIME IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY. I AM VERY STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF BAD AND I PERSONAL VIEW AFTER MANY YEARS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITIES IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST BOTTLENECKS OF ALL OF OUR WALLS INVOLVING. THEY FAILED TO GET THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS THAT HAVE LONG SINCE BEEN BROUGHT FORTH AND DISPOSED OF YOU ACTUALLY VOTED TO REAUTHORIZE. AS I RECALL THERE WERE ONE, NOT TWO BILLS TO REAUTHORIZE THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT. IF ONE HAD CONTROVERSIAL POSITIONS THAT HAD NEVER BEEN RECEIVED IN THE HEARING AND THE OTHER DID NOT. AM I RIGHT THAT YOU SUPPORTED REAUTHORIZING THE ACT? >> I SUPPORTED IT IN 2000 WHEN IT PASSED AND BOTH OF THOSE I SUPPORTED AND BECAME LAW AND THEN IN THE SIDE THEY HAVE TOUGHER PENALTIES THAN THE OTHER BILL AND IT IS KIND OF FRUSTRATING. I VOTED FOR IT IN THE PAST AND THERE WERE SOME SPECIFIC ADD-ON REVISIONS IN THE MIDDLE THAT CAUSED MY CONCERN AND I THINK OTHER PEOPLE'S CONCERN. >> I WOULD ASK CONSENT. THE DIVISION ENFORCEMENT FOR THE RELIGIOUS LAND USE AND INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS ACT WHICH PROTECTS THE RIGHT OF PRISON INMATES. SO I INTRODUCED THE LEGISLATION AND PASSED WITHOUT OBJECTION AND BOTH THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE. I WOULD NOTE FOR THE RECORD AT THAT JANUARY 16 IS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL MAKE THIS A PRIORITY UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP. THEY ARE COMBATING THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ONE OF MY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE COUNSELS WAS AT FIRST I HAD. PERHAPS YOU CANTO. PERHAPS YOU CAN COMMENT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ISSUES SUCH AS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE THEM WITHIN THE CIVIL RIGHTS AGENDA IN THE DEPARTMENT. >> RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS A GREAT HERITAGE OF AMERICA AND WE RESPECT PEOPLE'S RELIGION. WE ENCOURAGE THEM TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND DEVELOP THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HIGH POWER THEY CHOOSE. WE RESPECT THAT AS MANDATED IN THE CONSTITUTION. BUT THERE ARE SITUATIONS IN WHICH I BELIEVE WE CAN REACH ACCOMMODATIONS THAT WOULD ALLOW THE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF PERSONS TO BE HONORED IN SOME FASHION AS OPPOSED TO JUST DICTATING EVERYTHING UNDER A SINGLE POSITION OR POLICY. WE SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM THAT WOULD BE A VERY HIGH PRIORITY OF MINE. >> LET ME CLOSE BY ASKING CONSENT TO PLACE IN THE RECORD LETTERS FROM MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA THEY TEST TO THE WORK ON BEHALF OF THE VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AND I WOULD ALSO ASK CONSENT A LETTER SUPPORTING THE NOMINATION FROM NEARLY TWO DOZEN MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED AS ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL'S INTENDED FOR OFFICE. THEY SAY AS BOTH U.S. SENATOR AND U.S. ATTORNEY, SENATOR SESSIONS HAS DEMONSTRATED A COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE EVENHANDED ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. I COULDN'T AGREE MORE. >> WITHOUT OBJECTION THOSE WILL BE INCLUDED. >> THANK YOU...