Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin delivered his opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump's nominee for Attorney General. As the ranking member of the committee, Durbin emphasized the crucial role of the Attorney General in overseeing the Department of Justice and protecting various aspects of American life.

Durbin stated, "The importance of the Attorney General to our justice system cannot be overstated... It is critical that any nominee for this position be committed first and foremost to the Constitution and the American people—not any President or political agenda."

He raised concerns about President-elect Trump's intentions with the Justice Department, saying, "This time around, President-elect Trump has vowed not just to use the Justice Department to advance his [own] political interests, but also to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’"

Addressing Bondi directly, Durbin noted her experience in law enforcement but questioned her independence from presidential influence: "But I need to know you would tell the President ‘No’ if you are asked to do something that is wrong, illegal, or unconstitutional."

Durbin pointed out Bondi's past actions related to Trump: "You joined Mr. Trump in working to overturn the 2020 election. You have repeatedly described investigations and prosecutions of Mr. Trump as ‘witch hunts,’" he said.

Concerns about potential conflicts of interest were also highlighted: "I am concerned that you failed to identify your extensive lobbying for foreign governments and big corporations as potential conflicts of interest."

Durbin contrasted Bondi with Merrick Garland, stating Garland never served as a personal attorney nor lobbied on behalf of foreign entities. He concluded by expressing hope that Republican colleagues would hold Bondi to a high standard similar to their criticisms of Garland.