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- Tuesday saw the beginning of confirmation hearings for Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general.
- Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Sessions on his career and his stance on issues such as Roe vs. Wade, immigration and civil rights.
- In 1986, accusations of racially insensitive remarks and actions led the Senate to reject Sessions for a federal judgeship. Sessions denied those accusations and said he has supported civil rights cases in the past.
- The hearing was interrupted regularly by protesters raising an array of concerns, from civil rights to immigration to marijuana policy.
- When asked how he would proceed if any investigations involving the interests of Trump or his family ever came before him, Sessions said: "I would review it and try to do the right thing as to whether or not it should stay within the jurisdiction of the attorney general or not."
Class discussion questions
- Essential question : Why are confirmation hearings held for presidential nominations?
- Based on Sen. Jeff Sessions' responses, how closely do you think he will follow the platforms of President-elect Donald Trump?
- Do you think confirmation hearings are an effective way of vetting presidential nominees? Why or why not?
