WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday for his first oversight hearing since being installed as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer in February. During the hearing Senators pressed the Attorney General about potential collusion between the Department of Justice and the highly controversial, so-called Election Integrity Commission. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is leading litigation against the Commission and its violation of key government transparency laws, which was also the subject of a separate Senate inquiry to the Department of Justice this week.
Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement responding to the Attorney General’s testimony and the need for vigorous civil rights enforcement:
“After failing to provide full and honest answers to the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing in February, Attorney General Sessions once again fell short in responding to legitimate inquiries at today’s oversight hearing. Attorney General Sessions failed to meaningfully respond to questions about the Justice Department’s role in the so-called Election Integrity Commission despite significant evidence of collusion. He also refused to discuss the role he potentially played in President Trump’s unconscionable decision to pardon disgraced Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
“All members of Congress and the public must continue to demand that the Justice Department enforce important federal civil rights laws that protect racial minorities from discrimination in voting, criminal justice, housing, education, and employment. Attorney General Sessions did nothing today to confirm that he is committed to ensuring equal justice under law for African Americans and other racial minorities who are under constant attack by this administration.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 54th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
