Congressman Tim Ryan Calls on Senate to Vote Down Jeff Sessions Nomination

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement today after the Senate’s Attorney General confirmation hearing for Senator Jeff Sessions:

“Americans expect the Department of Justice to uphold the law and fight for justice on their behalf. Under the leadership of Attorneys General Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, the Department of Justice has fought to protect LGBTQ  people from marriage and employment discrimination, expand and defend the rights of ALL Americans to exercise their right to vote, advocate for the rights of immigrants and workers who help grow and enrich our great nation, and work to improve police-community relations.

“It is hard to think of a more consequential department in the lives of everyday Americans. That is why I am so gravely concerned about the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as our next Attorney General of the United States. Senator Sessions has a demonstrated record of hostility towards civil rights and racial justice. He has opposed many efforts to advance equality for women, African Americans, LGBTQ Americans, workers, immigrants and religious minorities.  

“During today’s confirmation hearing, Senator Sessions continually attempted to rewrite history regarding these important issues. His failure to provide clear and honest ethics disclosures and reasoning for past decisions proves why the Senate should not confirm his appointment to serve as Attorney General. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote down his nomination.”