GOP Senator Announcing Full Support for Jeff Sessions Laments He’s Had to ‘Withstand Painful Attacks on His Character’
‘He Has Had to Withstand Some Very Painful Attacks on His Character, Both Years Ago and Again Today’
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump’s nominee to become attorney general, minutes into his confirmation hearing received the overwhelming support from one Republican Senator who Democrats were hoping would vote against him. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who has a reputation of being willing to break ranks and cross the aisle at times, told members of the Judiciary Committee that Senator Sessions is not “motived by racial animus.” Stunningly, she lamented that Sessions has had to suffer allegations of racism. Of course, his racism is what derailed his appointment to the federal bench in the 1980’s, but Collins is upset that Sessions has had to account for that.
“These are not the actions of an individual who is motived by racial animus,” Sen. Collins, after detailing some of his accomplishments, told the committee.
“In spite of this record Senator Sessions’ nomination has generated controversy,” Collins acknowledged. “He has had to withstand some very painful attacks on his character, both years ago and again today, with little or no acknowledgement of his accomlishments and actions or the responses he has made to the accusations against him.”
Sessions has a long history of racist remarks and actions, which he denies. He has consistently voted against minorities and women, including against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, against the Violence Against Women Act, and for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2XJZ2NvAoU#t=212
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.