Lowey and Serrano Slam AG Sessions’ Second Cancellation of Appropriations Testimony

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions cancelling for the second time scheduled testimony to the Appropriations Committee:
 

“We are disappointed Attorney General Sessions has cancelled - for the second time - his scheduled testimony to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.  Instead of two hearings open to the public, the Attorney General will participate in only one with the Senate Intelligence Committee, which may be closed to the public.

"This flies in the face of any standards of transparency, openness, and good government.  The Attorney General should engage in open, public questioning at the Appropriations Committee like every other cabinet secretary does.

"The American public deserves to hear from Attorney General Sessions not just about potential impropriety surrounding the 2016 presidential campaign, but also about the Department of Justice's 2018 budget request, which would substantially cut support for state and local law enforcement while also reducing funding for operating expenses of the FBI."

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