Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For President-Elect Trump's Pick To Be Attorney General, Pam Bondi

Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For President-Elect Trump's Pick To Be Attorney General, Pam Bondi

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump's pick to be Attorney General of the United States.

Key Quotes:

"The importance of the Attorney General to our justice system cannot be overstated. As our nation's chief law enforcement officer, the Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice, which is responsible for protecting the civil rights of Americans, economic freedom and opportunity, public safety, and of course, national security. In short, the Attorney General has a real impact on Americans' everyday lives. It is critical that any nominee for this position be committed first and foremost to the Constitution and the American people-not any President or political agenda."

"This time around, President-elect Trump has vowed not just to use the Justice Department to advance his [own] political interests, but also to seek 'retribution' against 'the enemy within.' He has repeatedly threatened to arrest, prosecute, jail, or otherwise punish those he considers his enemies. This includes reporters, prosecutors, judges, poll workers, military officials, and even his own former political appointees."

"Ms. Bondi, you have many years of experience in law enforcement, including nearly a decade of service as Attorney General in one of the largest states in the nation. But I need to know you would tell the President 'No' if you are asked to do something that is wrong, illegal, or unconstitutional."

"Ms. Bondi, you are one of four of [Mr.] Trump's personal lawyers that he has already selected for top positions at the Department of Justice. You joined Mr. Trump in working to overturn the 2020 election. You have repeatedly described investigations and prosecutions of Mr. Trump as 'witch hunts,' and you have echoed his calls for investigating and prosecuting his political opponents."

"I also have questions about whether you will focus on the needs of the American people, rather than on wealthy special interests. I am concerned that you failed to identify your extensive lobbying for foreign governments and big corporations as potential conflicts of interest."

"In contrast to Ms. Bondi, Merrick Garland didn't campaign for President Biden. He never served as his [President Biden's] personal attorney. And he never lobbied on behalf of foreign governments and corporate giants. After years of relentless criticism of Attorney General Garland from many of my Republican colleagues, I hope they are prepared to hold you to the same standard."

Video of Durbin's opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin's opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin's opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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