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Sen. Coons says "no" to Trump's AG nominee

Delaware Public Media

Delaware’s junior senator, Chris Coons, will not vote to confirm president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions.

 

“There are just far too many policy areas where he has steadfastly opposed bipartisan efforts to make progress, to advance justice, from voting rights and civil rights to torture,”  said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware)

 

Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which held a conformation hearing for Sessions this week. 

 

In a lengthier statement release by his office, Coons offered further details on his decision.

 

“Any President deserves some latitude in picking nominees who support their principles, but on many important issues, including voting rights, civil rights, sentencing reform, LGBT rights, domestic violence protections, immigration reform, religious freedom, civil liberties, and torture, Senator Sessions has actively opposed bipartisan efforts to advance justice," said Coons in his statement.  "While I believe Senator Sessions will uphold the law, even those he disagrees with, the role of Attorney General is bigger than that.  I am concerned that Senator Sessions’ record as a prosecutor and an elected official demonstrates that on too many occasions he did not take action when there was an opportunity to stand up for the vulnerable, promote civil rights, or advance justice."

 

 

Critics of Sessions say his mixed record when it comes to the Civil Rights Act, as well as past allegations of racially offensive language are reasons he’s unqualified for the office.

 

Sessions was one of Trump’s earliest supporters and became a top pick for his cabinet after November’s election.

 

Before serving in the Senate for more than three terms, Sessions was the Alabama attorney general and U.S. district attorney for his home state.

 

Republicans hold a majority in the Senate and Sessions is likely to be confirmed.

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