In response to the U.S. Senate confirming Jeff Sessions to become the next Attorney General, People For the American Way (PFAW) Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:
“This is a sad day for anyone who cares about our system of justice. Jeff Sessions’ career shows a long history of fighting to restrict the very rights he’s tasked with protecting as our nation’s next attorney general. Thirty years ago, the Republican-led Senate rejected Jeff Sessions for his abysmal record on civil rights. Since then, his record is no better: he’s attacked the Voting Rights Act, opposed the Violence Against Women Act, and refused to rule out mass internment in the U.S. That’s why 47 Democrats voted against him today, and it’s why Sen. Warren took to the Senate floor last night to read Coretta Scott King’s letter opposing Sessions from 1986.
“The millions of people who marched in January and called their senators to oppose Jeff Sessions are standing at the ready to ensure Sessions upholds the Constitution and carries out his responsibilities as the ‘people’s lawyer’ rather than serve as Donald Trump’s personal attorney. And voters will hold those who supported Sessions’ confirmation—like Sen. Heller and Sen. Flake—accountable at the ballot box.
“Today’s vote significantly raises the stakes as the Senate considers Neil Gorsuch. It’s clear that Jeff Sessions will be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s illegal, unconstitutional agenda. It’s more important than ever that we have an independent Supreme Court that will stand up for the rule of law.”
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.
###