Cantwell announces ‘no’ vote on Sessions nomination for Attorney General

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said Tuesday that she will vote “no” on the nomination of fellow Senator Jeff Sessions as President Trump’s pick for Attorney General.

Cantwell pointed to the Republican senator from Alabama’s record on voting rights, civil rights, marijuana legalization and other issues.

“I have concerns that as U.S. Attorney General and our country’s chief law enforcement officer, Senator Sessions will not protect Americans’ civil rights,” Cantwell said.

“In the past, Senator Sessions blocked efforts to safeguard voting rights, to protect women from domestic violence, and to expand LGBTQ rights. He opposed a woman’s right to choose and called Roe v. Wade a ‘colossal’ mistake. He opposed sentencing and immigration reforms. His testimony on states legalizing and regulating marijuana left questions about the Trump administration’s approach to these issues.

“Given his record, I am concerned that if Senator Sessions is confirmed to be U.S. Attorney General, he and the Trump Administration may not uphold current protections for all Americans. Therefore, I will be voting ‘no’ on Senator Sessions’ confirmation.”

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