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How old is Jeff Sessions?

75 years (December 24, 1946)Jeff Sessions / Age

Is Jeff Sessions related to Pete Sessions?

Pete Sessions is not related to former Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Is Jeff Sessions Democrat or Republican?

Republican PartyJeff Sessions / PartyThe Republican Party, also referred to as the GOP, is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with its main historic rival, the Democratic Party. Wikipedia

Is Blaine Luetkemeyer Republican?

Republican PartyBlaine Luetkemeyer / Party

Is Pete Sessions Republican?

Republican PartyPete Sessions / Party

Who was attorney general after Jeff Sessions?

Matthew WhitakerPreceded byJeff SessionsSucceeded byWilliam BarrChief of Staff to the United States Attorney GeneralIn office September 22, 2017 – November 7, 201822 more rows

How long was Barr Attorney General?

William BarrOfficial portrait, 201977th and 85th United States Attorney GeneralIn office February 14, 2019 – December 23, 2020PresidentDonald Trump30 more rows

How tall is Jeff Sessions?

5′ 5″Jeff Sessions / Height

Why was Jeff Sessions rejected for the Senate?

His nomination was rejected by a judiciary committee due to concerns over disturbing statements made by Sessions concerning race. He later earned a U.S. Senate seat in 1996, winning three more successive terms over the ensuing years. The first senatorial supporter of Donald Trump for president, Sessions was nominated for U.S. attorney general after Trump's electoral win. Following a wave of Democratic opposition and protests from civil and human rights organizations, Sessions was confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate in February 2017. After the midterm elections in November 2018, Sessions resigned at the request of President Trump.

What did Attorney General Sessions say about collusion?

On June 13, 2017, Attorney General Sessions testified before a Senate Intelligence Committee, and said in his opening statement: "The suggestion that I participated in any collusion or that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie."

Why did Sessions not investigate Hillary Clinton?

Trump also openly wondered why Sessions wasn't investigating 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, for actions that included the Clinton Foundation's ties to the 2010 sale of a uranium company to a Russian nuclear agency. The calls to investigate Clinton were echoed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, who twice wrote to the DOJ to request the appointment of another special counsel for the matter.

What did Sessions say to the committee?

In his own defense, Sessions told the committee: "I am not the Jeff Sessions my detractors have tried to create. I am not a racist."

What did Sessions deny?

During his confirmation hearing, Sessions defended his record and vehemently denied charges of racism. "This caricature of me from 1986 was not correct," Sessions said.

Where was Jefferson Sessions born?

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III was born on December 24, 1946, in Selma, Alabama, the son of a general store owner, and grew up in the rural town of Hybart. Nicknamed "Buddy," he was very active in the Boy Scouts, and eventually became an Eagle Scout in 1964.

Who was the first senator to endorse Donald Trump?

In late February 2016, Sessions became the first senator to officially endorse Donald Trump’s run for the U.S. presidency. After Trump won the electoral college and became the 45th U.S. president, he nominated Sessions to become attorney general.

When was Sessions sworn in as Attorney General?

He was confirmed and sworn in as Attorney General in February 2017. In his confirmation hearings, Sessions stated under oath that he did not have contact with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign and that he was unaware of any contact between Trump campaign members and Russian officials.

When was Sessions elected?

Sessions was elected Attorney General of Alabama in November 1994, unseating incumbent Democrat Jimmy Evans with 57% of the vote. The harsh criticism he had received from Senator Edward Kennedy, who called him a "throw-back to a shameful era" and a "disgrace", was considered to have won him the support of Alabama conservatives.

What did Sessions say about sanctuary cities?

On March 27, 2017, Sessions told reporters that sanctuary cities failing to comply with policies of the Trump administration would lose federal funding, and cited the shooting of Kathryn Steinle as an example of an illegal immigrant committing a heinous crime.

Why did Trump nominate Sessions?

Trump would later state in an August 22, 2018 interview with Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt that the only reason he nominated Sessions was because Sessions was an original supporter during his presidential campaign. The nomination engendered support and opposition from various groups and individuals. He was introduced by Senator Susan Collins from Maine who said, "He's a decent individual with a strong commitment to the rule of law. He's a leader of integrity. I think the attacks against him are not well founded and are unfair." More than 1,400 law school professors wrote a letter urging the Senate to reject the nomination. A group of black pastors rallied in support of Sessions in advance of his confirmation hearing; his nomination was supported by Gerald A. Reynolds, an African American former chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Six NAACP activists, including NAACP President Cornell William Brooks, were arrested at a January 2017 sit-in protesting the nomination.

Why did Sessions write a letter to the National Endowment for the Humanities?

In 2013, Sessions sent a letter to National Endowment for the Humanities enquiring why the foundation funded projects that he deemed frivolous. He also criticized the foundation for distributing books related to Islam to hundreds of U.S. libraries, saying "Using taxpayer dollars to fund education program grant questions that are very indefinite or in an effort to seemingly use Federal funds on behalf of just one religion, does not on its face appear to be the appropriate means to establish confidence in the American people that NEH expenditures are wise."

How many children does Jeff Sessions have?

Sessions and his wife Mary have three children and as of March 2020, ten grandchildren. The family attends a United Methodist church. Specifically, Jeff and Mary Sessions are members of the Ashland Place United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama; Jeff Sessions has taught Sunday school there.

Why did Sessions ask Congress to repeal the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment?

In a May 2017 letter, Sessions personally asked congressional leaders to repeal the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment so that the Justice Department could prosecute providers of medical marijuana. The Rohrabacher–Farr amendment is a 2014 measure that bars the Justice Department from using federal funds to prevent states "from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana". Sessions wrote in the letter that "I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime." John Hudak of the Brookings Institution criticized the letter, stating that it was a "scare tactic" that "should make everyone openly question whether candidate Trump's rhetoric and the White House's words on his support for medical marijuana was actually a lie to the American public on an issue that garners broad, bipartisan support."

Who confirmed Jeff Sessions?

attorney general. The Senate approved Trump's nominee by a largely party-line vote of 52-47. One Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, joined Republicans in confirming Sessions.

Who confirmed Sessions as the head of the Department of Justice?

One Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, joined Republicans in confirming Sessions. Sessions' nomination as the head of the Department of Justice drew significant criticism from Democrats and civil rights groups.

What did James Comey tell the Senate?

When former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in June, he told the committee that the FBI had information in February that would have made it “problematic” for Sessions to continue leading the investigation into Russian influence over the 2016 election.

How old was Sessions when he was born?

Age: 70 (born Dec. 24, 1946) Hometown: Selma, Alabama, which had a notable role in the civil rights movement. Earlier this year, Sessions reflected on the historic nature of his birthplace. "Certainly I feel like I should have stepped forward more," he said, reflecting on the civil rights struggle.

What did Sessions say about the NAACP?

Four lawyers who had worked with Sessions said he had made racist comments. One said he had called the NAACP "un-American" and "communist-inspired.". Another said Sessions had called him "boy" and told him to be "careful what you say to white folks.". Sessions denied the allegations.

Where did Sessions give his foreign policy address?

Sessions attended a foreign policy address given by Trump at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. in April 2016 during the campaign. Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak was also at the address, but the Justice Department has denied that Sessions spoke privately with the Ambassador that day.

When did Sessions endorse Trump?

His relationship with Trump: Sessions was the first sitting senator to endorse then–presidential candidate Trump, in February 2016, before Super Tuesday and the Alabama primary. "I told Donald Trump this isn't a campaign. This is a movement," Sessions said at a rally in Madison, Alabama.

When did Jeff Sessions become Attorney General?

Sessions became Alabama attorney general in 1995. Here, he greets supporters in Mobile, Alabama, in 1996 while seeking the Republican nomination for the US Senate. Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. PHOTO: Laura Patterson/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images.

When did Jeff Sessions testify?

Sessions arrives on June 13, 2017, to testify at a Senate intelligence committee hearing about meetings he had with Russians during the Trump presidential campaign. Sessions called the Russia collusion claim a "detestable lie.". Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

What hat does Jeff Sessions wear?

Sessions wears a "Make Mexico Great Again Also" hat before a Trump speech during a campaign rally at the Phoenix Convention Center in August 2016. Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Where did Jeff Sessions get his bachelors?

Sessions and his wife, Mary Blackshear, met when he was a college freshman. He received his bachelor's from Huntingdon College in Alabama. Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. PHOTO: Terry Ashe/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images.

When did Sessions say he would recuse himself?

On March 2, 2017 , Sessions pauses during a news conference at the Justice Department where he said he would recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. On July 19, Trump told The New York Times he wished Sessions hadn't made the recusal.

Who sworn in Jeff Sessions?

Vice President Mike Pence swears in Sessions as attorney general while Sessions' wife and President Trump look on in the Oval Office on February 9, 2017. Sessions was approved after a contentious battle along party lines. Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. PHOTO: Susan Walsh/AP.

Who was the attorney general who was nominated by Reagan to be a judge in the Southern District of Alabama?

Sessions' nomination was rejected. Photos: The life and career of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

When did Sessions run for reelection?

Sessions won re-election in the 2014 election for the U.S. Senate, representing Alabama. He ran completely unopposed in both the Republican primary on June 3, 2014, and the general election in November.

Why did the Senate refuse to confirm Sessions?

In 1985, former President Ronald Reagan nominated Sessions to a seat on the United States District Court in Alabama, but the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to move forward with his confirmation vote due to accusations of racial insensitivity.

What is OpenCongress?

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

What did Sessions say about the rescission of the DACA?

During a press briefing announcing the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Sessions said, "Simply put if we are to further our goal of strengthening the constitutional order and rule of law in America, the Department of Justice cannot defend this overreach."

What did Sessions say about immigration?

And such a nation must have a lawful system of immigration. I am not aware of any advanced nation that does not understand this fundamental tenet. And let no one contend that we reject immigration and want to 'wall off America' from all lawful immigration. President Trump and the American people know what’s happening. We admit 1.1 million immigrants lawfully to permanent legal status—green card status—every year, the highest numbers in the world. Indeed, at this unprecedented rate we will soon have the largest percentage of non-native born in our nation’s history with the percentage continuing to rise every year thereafter. Thus, the good and decent people of this country are right to insist that this country should end the illegality, create a rational immigration flow, and protect the nation from criminal aliens. It cannot be that someone who illegally crosses the border and two days later arrives in Sacramento, Dubuque, Louisville, and Central Islip is home free—never to be removed. It cannot be the policy of a great nation to up and reward those who unlawfully enter its country with legal status, Social Security, welfare, food stamps, and work permits. Meanwhile those who engage in this process lawfully and patiently and wait their turn are discriminated against at every turn. Most Americans get this. They are working hard to make ends meet, follow the rules, and try to keep their loved ones safe."

How many roll call votes did Sessions miss?

According to the website GovTrack, Sessions missed 126 of 6,002 roll call votes from January 1997 to September 2015. This amounts to 2.1 percent, which is worse than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.

What is the booklet that Sessions published?

In the "Issues" section of his campaign website, Sessions published a booklet containing his plan, "Betting on America: Standing Up to China's Cold-Blooded Drive for Power." Read the plan here.

1. Controversial from the start

Sessions’ tenure began back in early 2017. During his confirmation hearings, Sessions testified incorrectly under oath that he had had no contacts with Russian officials during his active role in the 2016 Trump campaign. When it became public that he had met with the Russian ambassador, he claimed he had not lied.

2. Crackdown on drugs

Sessions enthusiastically waged the war on drugs, much to the chagrin of those who considered that war a proven failure.

Where was Jeff Sessions in 2016?

There he was in early 2016, beaming from the campaign stage in the Huntsville, Ala., suburb of Madison before a crowd of more than 10,000, Trump’s prized opening act, extolling the inception of a “movement.”.

What did Sessions say about the police?

Sessions told me he was moved by the chance to act on his and Trump’s shared belief that the police were “demoralized” during the Obama years. “I said, ‘We’re going to embrace this as our mission, we’re going to back the police and we’re going to reduce crime.’” He began laying the groundwork for a zero-tolerance policy for illegal immigration, a crackdown on MS-13 gang members and a rollback of the civil rights agenda advanced through the Justice Department during the Obama years. But these efforts were still in their infancy when, in March 2017, he made his fateful decision.

How often do Trump and Tuberville talk?

In the past four months, meanwhile, Trump and Tuberville have spoken frequently by phone, sometimes as often as twice a week. In mid-June, Tuberville joined the president on Air Force One when it landed in Dallas. When we spoke at Ruby Tuesday, Sessions acknowledged Tuberville’s appeal.

Why did Trump dislike Sessions?

Sessions was willing to endure Trump’s personal derision in order to realize their shared vision for the country. Trump, on the other hand, seemed unnerved that anyone’s policy goals could outweigh their pride. And so with every sunny response to his insults, Trump’s disdain for Sessions deepened. “So many people in the White House thought the way to build a better relationship with Trump was just to agree with him on everything and praise him to the hilt and be sycophantic and plug those gaping insecurities that fuel his narcissism,” the first former White House official said. “When the reality is that once you actually give in to him like that, he detests you for it.” (The White House did not respond to multiple requests for comment.)

What did Lott give Sessions?

When he did, Lott gave Sessions a copy of a visual aid he put together several years earlier called “The Wheel of Fortune.” The wheel, Lott told me, had a series of “spokes,” all of which represent things you might do upon leaving politics. You could join a law firm! Give speeches! Write a book! Many lawmakers became professors or sat on corporate boards. Lott walked Sessions through the pros and cons of each. And so Sessions left K Street that day encouraged anew by the wide world before him.

What did Sessions say about the Ku Klux Klan?

During his confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, a black assistant U.S. attorney testified that Sessions had once called him “boy” (which Sessions denied) and said the Ku Klux Klan was “OK until I found out they smoked pot” (which Sessions said was a joke).

What was the central paradox of Sessions's plight?

Here, then, was the central paradox of Sessions’s plight. In ethos and in substance, Sessions had long harbored the presentiments of Trumpism. On immigration, trade and policing, the dusted-off rhetoric of “law and order,” his stamp on the president’s administration remains indelible. And yet no figure has been more totally cast out of Trump’s orbit.

When did Sessions say he was not urging Figures to drop the case?

Sessions’s statements to the Senate in 1986 about his supervisory role in the case are more modest than what he and his supporters say today, and while his testimony at the time generally did not directly contradict Figures’s account, Sessions insisted that he did not urge Figures to drop the case.

Why was Sessions rejected for a judgeship?

In 1986, Session’s nomination for a federal judgeship was rejected after one of his former subordinates, Thomas Figures, alleged that Sessions called him “boy,” made remarks disparaging civil-rights organizations, and made jokes about the KKK , even as his office was investigating the Donald lynching. Civil-rights groups have harshly criticized ...

What groups did Sessions lead?

Sessions’s record as a senator has led civil-rights groups, including the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Color of Change, to oppose his nomination and question whether he would fairly administer laws protecting against discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Who brought Hays and the Klan to justice?

Grant Bosse wrote in the Manchester, New Hampshire, Union Leader wrote that “when local police wrote off the murder as a drug deal gone wrong, Sessions brought in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and brought Hays and the Klan to justice.”. Sessions himself recently listed the case as one of the “ten most significant significant ...

Did Sessions win the Donald case?

Other defenders of Sessions have used the Donald case in similar ways. A letter from 23 former assistant attorney generals cited the fact that he had “worked to obtain the successful capital prosecution of the head of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan” as evidence of his “commitment to the rule of law, and to the even-handed administration of justice.” The Wall Street Journal said that Sessions, “won a death-penalty conviction for the head of the state KKK in a capital murder trial,” a case which “broke the Klan in the heart of dixie,” and The New York Post praised him for having “successfully prosecuted the head of the state Ku Klux Klan for murder.” Grant Bosse wrote in the Manchester, New Hampshire, Union Leader wrote that “when local police wrote off the murder as a drug deal gone wrong, Sessions brought in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and brought Hays and the Klan to justice.”

Did Sessions smear my record?

And in 2009, Sessions told National Review that there had been a campaign to “smear my record,” whereas in fact, he had “prosecuted the head of the Klan for murdering somebody.”. No one involved in the case disputes that Sessions lent his support to the prosecution.

Did Sessions win the death penalty?

The Wall Street Journal said that Sessions, “won a death-penalty conviction for the head of the state KKK in a capital murder trial,” a case which “broke the Klan in the heart of dixie,” and The New York Post praised him for having “successfully prosecuted the head of the state Ku Klux Klan for murder.”. Grant Bosse wrote in the Manchester, New ...

Overview

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama (1981–1993)

Sessions was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama beginning in 1975. In 1981, President Reagan nominated him to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. The Senate confirmed him and he held that position for twelve years. In 1993, Sessions resigned his post after Democrat Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States.

Early life and early career

Failed nomination for federal trial court judgeship (1986)

Alabama attorney general (1995–1997)

U.S. Senate (1997–2017)

Attorney General of the United States (2017–2018)

U.S. Senate campaign (2020)