Schumer to vote against Sessions

By Rebecca Savransky - 01/12/17 08:10 AM EST
 
Schumer to vote against Sessions
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Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerSenators weigh future of methane fee in spending bill Biden hopes for deal on economic agenda before Europe trip The Senate is setting a dangerous precedent with Iron Dome funding MORE (D-N.Y.) on Thursday said he opposes Sen. Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsTrump criticizes Justice for restoring McCabe's benefits McCabe wins back full FBI pension after being fired under Trump Overnight Hillicon Valley — Apple issues security update against spyware vulnerability MORE (R-Ala.), President-elect Donald TrumpDonald TrumpYoungkin ad features mother who pushed to have 'Beloved' banned from son's curriculum White House rejects latest Trump claim of executive privilege Democrats say GOP lawmakers implicated in Jan. 6 should be expelled MORE's pick to serve as attorney general.

"After reviewing his record and giving careful consideration to his answers during the hearing, I am not confident in Senator Sessions' ability to be a defender of the rights of all Americans, or to serve as an independent check on the incoming administration," Schumer said in a statement, according to CNN.
 
"I am also deeply concerned by his views on immigration, which I saw firsthand during the push for comprehensive immigration reform. For those reasons, I will oppose his nomination to serve as the next attorney general."
 
Schumer also criticized Sessions in a series of tweets where he laid out the requirements of the job of attorney general.
 
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"The AG must wake up each day ensuring rights of all Americans immigrant, minority, young, old, gay, straight, disabled & not are protected," he tweeted.

"The AG ensures that POTUS & the Admin's policies adhere to American values& ideals & is a check to ensure the President is not above the law."

Sessions has faced backlash over his record on civil rights since his selection and throughout his Senate confirmation hearings this week.

The Senate in 1986 opposed appointing Sessions to a federal judgeship in part due to disparaging remarks he allegedly made about the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union. He strongly denied the accusations back then and again this week. 

Critics also point to his prosecution of black voting rights activists for voter fraud and other civil rights concerns.

Tags Charles Schumer Chuck Schumer Jeff Sessions Donald Trump