I have no confidence that Senator Sessions shares a commitment to justice for all Americans,” says Markey

Washington (February 8, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today spoke on the floor of the United States Senate in opposition to the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions to be United States Attorney General. In his remarks, Senator Markey highlighted Senator Sessions’ record fighting against civil rights and voting rights efforts. He spoke about Senator Sessions’ opposition to comprehensive immigration reform, criminal justice reform, and commonsense gun control measures. 

As part of his remarks, Senator Markey also read the letter sent in 1986 by Coretta Scott King in opposition to then-U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions’ nomination to become a federal judge. Last night, as Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) attempted to read King’s letter on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused her of violating a rule that forbids one senator from demeaning a colleague. Senator Warren was prevented from engaging in further debate on Senator Sessions’ nomination. 

“Senator Warren deserves an apology for being silenced when she attempted to share this very relevant, very powerful part of our national history last night,” said Senator Markey in his remarks. “And the American people deserve to hear the important words of Coretta Scott King.”

“Coretta Scott King was right in the 1960s. Coretta Scott King was right in 1986. Coretta Scott King is right today.

“Based on the totality of Senator Sessions’ record, I have no confidence that he shares a commitment to justice for all Americans,” concluded Senator Markey. “I do not believe he will fight to defend the most vulnerable in our society. I do not believe he will stand up to President Trump when the time comes, as it surely will.”

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