Witnesses testify before Senate about Todd Blanche in AG confirmation hearing

[0:08] I told everybody to be here at 9 so we could do our business meeting right away. [0:15] But since we can't do that, I'm going to start with some of the things that we can do. [0:22] So we have eight nominations listed. [0:28] Today we'll vote on Daniel Traynor to be circuit judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit. [0:35] We're also voting on four district court nominees, Angelo, Coimero, [0:41] Southern District of Texas, Kasdine Mitchell, Northern District, Texas, [0:49] Michael Martin, Eastern District, Michigan, and Antonio Pozo, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. [0:57] The remaining nominations are listed for the first time, so we'll hold them over to future consideration. [1:04] And I'll call on Senator Durbin for his opening comments. [1:11] Thanks, Chairman Grassley. [1:11] Yesterday's hearing I can't easily forget in this room because I asked a question, [1:19] Mr. Todd Branch, Blanche, about the opportunity he had to meet with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. [1:28] I asked him the same question the night before in my office and he said, [1:31] I'll meet with anybody to talk about this. [1:33] So I thought it was an easy question. [1:35] Will you meet with those who are here today? [1:37] There were 10 or 12 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. [1:40] And he said, no, he wouldn't meet with him. [1:44] And I asked why. [1:46] I couldn't understand whether he thought they had a lawyer or needed a lawyer, but he wouldn't meet with him. [1:53] It's incredible. [1:55] After the hearing, I met with him. [1:57] I'll never forget that meeting. [2:00] You can imagine, and some are here today, and one will testify a little later before this panel. [2:05] Try to imagine, if you will, one of these young women saying to me, [2:12] Jeffrey Epstein abused me when I was 13 years old. [2:17] 13 years old. [2:20] Visualize in your own family a daughter, a granddaughter, 13 years of age, who is a victim of this sexual predator. [2:29] Should she at least have a moment with the Attorney General to tell her story? [2:33] Is that too much to ask? [2:36] Apparently it was. [2:37] This is what I'll tell you. [2:39] I don't believe a single member of the United States Senate would vote for this nominee after meeting with these survivors. [2:45] To think that he turned down the opportunity to even meet with them. [2:50] He went on to say, well, President Trump signed this law, which required us to disclose the Epstein file. [2:56] The law was necessary because he wouldn't voluntarily disclose it. [3:00] Yes, President Trump signed the law after it was discharged in the House of Representatives [3:06] because we had one new person who won a special election. [3:11] It was an amazing political miracle that that law ever passed. [3:16] But it had to pass so the American people would even have a chance of looking at these files. [3:22] And now these women and many more are willing to come forward and say, [3:26] don't stop with prosecuting two people, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. [3:31] Well, there are more people you should consider. [3:34] And yet the man who would be Attorney General of the United States said he wouldn't meet with him, [3:39] wouldn't listen to him. [3:40] That isn't right. [3:42] That is just plain wrong as far as I'm concerned. [3:45] And secondly, let me tell you what. [3:47] I guess I was born in a different era from this president and people around him. [3:52] But I kind of understood going into public life that if you wanted to get rich, this was the wrong job. [4:00] You're supposed to take this job to serve the public, make enough money to get by, but not get rich. [4:07] How did the president do in the first year of his second term? [4:09] 1.4 billion dollars added to his income from the cryptocurrency group. [4:17] Why is that even relevant to this conversation? [4:20] Because the president opposed the cryptocurrency idea for years, switched his position, [4:26] and then Mr. Flowers, or Mr. Blanche, changed the regulation, the federal regulation of cryptocurrency. [4:35] By the time he changed the regulation of cryptocurrency in the Department of Justice, [4:41] he had personally over $160,000 in cryptocurrency assets. [4:48] He had to disclose that and he had to send that to some other source. [4:53] He sent it to his children. [4:56] To lessen the regulation of an industry, which generates a $1.4 billion windfall for the president of the United States [5:03] and money for the person who was acting attorney general is just plain wrong. [5:09] Just plain wrong. [5:11] And all the excuses in the world don't make a difference. [5:14] And I'll tell you, that one document that he signed, imagine if you will, if you've ever heard of this, [5:21] the president, his family, and his businesses, because of the document signed by Todd Blanche, [5:28] because of that, have no liability for any tax crimes they ever committed before the date of that document. [5:35] No liability, no criminal liability. [5:38] Every single one of us in this room has to obey the law. [5:43] That's the basics in a democracy like ours. [5:45] And when it comes to tax crimes, the same applies. [5:49] Now there's an exception, of course, in the eyes of Todd Blanche. [5:54] And that exception is the president of the United States, his family, and his businesses. [5:59] That is just plain wrong. [6:01] This man should not be attorney general. [6:03] Can I go ahead and lose witnesses? [6:11] If you want to. [6:12] Yeah. [6:12] Sure. [6:16] I'd like to enter into the record an article written by former Attorney General Bill Barr. [6:32] His article earns the Senate to confirm Mr. Blanche. [6:36] The article touts the successes of Mr. Blanche has already delivered while leading, [6:43] while already leading the Department of Justice. [6:50] It further stated, quote, Mr. Blanche has necessary qualities for the job. [6:59] He's a skilled and accomplished lawyer with extensive experience in the department. [7:04] As a prosecutor and deputy attorney general throughout his career, [7:09] he has shown the personal determination, discipline, and thick skin. [7:14] When this position demands, end of quote, without objection, it will be entered in the record. [7:24] I'd like to also introduce a letter from the Concerned Women for American Legislative Action Committee. [7:40] The group represents hundreds of thousands of women nationwide. [7:46] The letter praised Mr. Blanche and stated, quote, Mr. Blanche, extensive experience, proven character, and wise judgment. [7:56] Make him an outstanding pick that the women I represent are proud to support. [8:03] I would just go to, we were waiting for, so I would just say go ahead and do the witness introductions. [8:11] Okay, well, we'll, we'll need to have them come to the table. [8:17] You can go ahead, you can just ask them to go ahead and come up. [8:20] What? [8:20] You can ask them to go ahead and come up to the table, but we don't swear to them in yet. [8:23] As I indicated to everybody in the audience, everybody was supposed to be here at 9 o'clock, [8:30] and everybody isn't here, and we don't have a lot of time to waste, [8:34] so I would ask the witnesses if they would come to the table, [8:38] and I would like to introduce, read your introductions, and then. [8:51] No, we'll do that after. We'll do that when we go to the table. [8:56] Okay. [8:58] You, please be seated, and we won't be questioning you right away, [9:07] but I'd like to take this time to introduce you. [9:12] First, a person when he was in the United States Senate, [9:17] a person that I worked closely with, John Ashcroft. [9:24] You know, he served as United States Attorney General under George W. Bush. [9:31] He led the Justice Department's anti-terrorism efforts after 9-11. [9:39] Mr. Ashcroft previously served for over two decades as Missouri's Attorney General, Governor, and then Senator. [9:49] He's since founded a consulting firm and serves as distinguished professor at Regent University. [9:58] Mr. Ashcroft understands how to lead the Justice Department free from political influence. [10:04] Indeed, Senator Schumer once praised Mr. Ashcroft, quote, [10:11] Fidelities to the rule of law, end of quote. [10:16] I look forward to hearing his perspective on Mr. Blanche's qualifications to lead the department. [10:24] Next, I would introduce Jennifer Boss. [10:28] Ms. Boss is an angel mom, a title that no mother should ever have to bear. [10:36] She suffered an unimaginable loss. [10:41] Ms. Boss' daughter, Megan, was discovered in a dumpster belonging to an illegal immigrant. [10:50] The man was arrested, but within 24 hours, he walked free. [10:56] The sanctuary city and soft-on-crime policies of her home state failed to protect her daughter [11:02] or deliver justice to the families. [11:06] Ms. Boss had no recourse until President Trump learned of the case and ensured that the man was detained by ICE. [11:16] Sadly, Ms. Boss knows firsthand how important it is to have a Justice Department that listens to victims, [11:26] pursues justice, and works to protect communities. [11:31] Ms. Boss, I'm very sorry for your loss. [11:35] I'm grateful for your testimony today. [11:38] We also have John Adler, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation. [11:48] He was the first responder at Ground Zero on 9-11 and has decades of experience in law enforcement. [11:58] For years, he served as the Chief Firearms and Tactical Training Instructor of the Southern District of New York. [12:06] While at that position, Mr. Adler met and observed Mr. Blanche's diligent work firsthand. [12:16] Mr. Adler previously served as Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. [12:22] Based on that experience and his decades in law enforcement, Mr. Adler now advocates for officers in the field. [12:33] I look forward to learning his experience and perspective on Mr. Blanche's efforts to support law enforcement. [12:44] And now, Senator Durbin, would you please introduce your guests? [12:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [12:49] Let me say at the outset, at your request, I'm trying to accommodate the attendance issue, [12:55] which we both struggle with as you as chairman and me as ranking member. [13:00] And one of my witnesses, minority witnesses, has not arrived yet. [13:04] She was told it would be a little bit later, but we would start that. [13:07] So I'm going to introduce her. [13:09] And when she arrives, she'll take to the table and be sworn in by you. [13:13] Okay? [13:13] Okay. [13:13] All right. [13:14] Thank you. [13:14] The first minority witness is Danny Benski. [13:17] I met her yesterday. [13:19] Ms. Benski is a choreographer and dance educator. [13:23] She's also a survivor of abuse by convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, [13:28] to whom she was trafficked when she was 17 years old. [13:33] Ms. Benski will tell us when she comes how, due to the carelessness of the Justice Department, [13:38] graphic details of her abuse, as well as her identity, were released many times, [13:45] despite her efforts to redact her information. [13:50] She says that she, quote, won't stop fighting until the world is safer. [13:54] I thank her for her courage, and I hope she arrives soon. [13:57] Because of the change in plans, we've had some confusion. [14:01] My second witness, second minority witness, is Elizabeth Oyer. [14:05] Thank you for being here. [14:06] She was the Justice Department pardon attorney until March 2025. [14:13] She oversaw the pardon office, now run by the failed nominee and mega-extremist Ed Martin. [14:20] Prior to service in the Justice Department, Ms. Oyer was an assistant federal public defender [14:24] in Maryland and a litigation partner at Mayor Brown. [14:28] She's a graduate of Harvard Law School and the illustrious Georgetown University. [14:32] She will tell us our former office has devolved into a pay-to-play operation with mega-donors [14:42] jumping ahead legitimate pardoned candidates, often without proper vetting, the height of corruption. [14:50] How do we know this? [14:51] Ms. Oyer was fired by Mr. Blanche just days after he took office for refusing to restore gun ownership rights [14:58] to one of the president's personal friends, convicted domestic abuser and actor, Mel Gibson. [15:05] I yield, Mr. Chairman. [15:06] Now back to the work of our committee. [15:10] We have one more member to get here. [15:12] In the meantime, I want to enter into the record nine letters supporting Mr. Blanche's nomination [15:19] from major law enforcement organizations combined. [15:23] These organizations represent hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers from around our country [15:31] who work every day to uphold the rule of law. [15:35] The letters all praise Mr. Blanche's qualifications to serve as Attorney General [15:41] and his collaboration with law enforcement Americans to keep everybody safe. [15:48] One letter states this, so I quote, [15:53] We believe Mr. Blanche's leadership will help ensure that the Department of Justice remains focused on public safety, [16:04] the rule of law, and providing unwavering support for law enforcement professionals [16:10] who risk their lives daily to protect our families and communities. [16:17] End of quote. [16:17] Without objection, these will be entered in the record. [16:23] Then also, I want to introduce into the record a letter supporting Mr. Blanche's nomination [16:32] from 23 state attorneys general. [16:36] The letter praises the Justice Department's success under Mr. Blanche's leadership [16:41] in combating violent crime, enforcing our immigration laws, ending race-based discrimination, [16:51] prosecuting criminal enterprises, and rooting out fraud against taxpayers. [16:57] The letter goes on to state, quote, [17:00] At a time when Americans expect their government to protect communities from violent crime, narcotics trafficking, [17:09] human trafficking, terrorism, and organized criminal activity, [17:14] Todd Blanche has shown the ability to deliver real results. [17:19] His record reflects a commitment to public safety, vigorous enforcement of federal law, [17:26] and effective stewardship of the Department of Justice. [17:30] End of quote. [17:31] Without objection, those letters will be entered into the record. [17:35] Would you like to make your speeches on judges now? [17:42] I only have one or two, if you'll... [17:44] Why don't you go ahead and do it? [17:45] Okay. [17:45] We've got to wait for tell us. [17:47] Okay. [17:48] We're still waiting on one, Senator? [17:50] Yeah. [17:50] Okay. [17:51] Well, this is a little out of sequence, [17:53] but I'm trying to cooperate on a bipartisan basis. [17:57] Report that. [17:59] Say a word about Daniel Traynor, [18:01] nominated to be the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. [18:03] Prior to his confirmation for District Court Justice, [18:07] Judge Traynor showed his true colors when it came to MAGA issues. [18:11] After he was confirmed, he had a chance to show [18:16] whether he would be a neutral arbiter on the bench. [18:19] Unfortunately, he's not demonstrated that. [18:22] As one example, Judge Traynor has ruled in favor of the Trump administration [18:26] in all 28 cases on his docket, [18:30] involving challenges from immigrants [18:32] who've been detained by ICE [18:34] under the administration's illegal mandatory detention policy. [18:39] That includes seven habeas corpus petitions [18:41] Traynor volunteered to preside over [18:43] in the District of Minnesota [18:45] following Operation Metro Surge. [18:49] Judge Traynor is an outlier. [18:51] Of the more than 17,000 cases [18:53] in which federal district judges [18:55] have ruled on ICE's mandatory detention policy, [18:58] at least 15,000 were rulings against the Trump administration, [19:04] including the vast majority of rulings by Trump appointed judges. [19:08] Yet Judge Traynor's partisanship was apparent [19:11] when he served as a contributing author and signatory [19:14] of a May 2024 letter from federal judges [19:17] to the president of Columbia University. [19:21] The signatories vowed, not the judges, [19:24] vowed not to hire anyone who attended Columbia University [19:27] beginning that year, but Traynor denied a recusal motion [19:31] in a case brought by Columbia Law School initiative [19:34] for a just society, [19:36] implausibly claiming he wasn't biased against Columbia University, [19:40] just said he wouldn't hire anybody who went to school there. [19:43] While he was comfortable taking a position [19:44] on this controversial political question, [19:47] Judge Traynor refused to answer questions [19:49] at the hearing as to who won the 2020 election. [19:53] For the record, Joe Biden did, [19:55] by 7 million votes. [19:58] It's very clear that Judge Traynor seeks [19:59] to remain in good graces of the president [20:01] at the cost of his own independence. [20:03] I urge my colleagues to oppose him. [20:05] I'd like to introduce into the record [20:12] a letter supporting Mr. Blanche's nomination. [20:16] This letter is from the American Center for Law and Justice. [20:21] The letter states, quote, [20:22] Mr. Blanche has demonstrated the experience, judgment, [20:25] leadership necessary to guide the Department of Justice [20:29] at a time when the faithful administration of our laws [20:33] is a paramount importance. [20:36] His service as Deputy Attorney General [20:38] and most recently acting Attorney General, [20:42] together with his distinguished career [20:44] as both a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, [20:48] has given him a broad understanding [20:51] of the Department's responsibility [20:53] and the constitutional principles [20:56] that must guide him in his work. [20:58] Without objection, this will be entered in the record. [21:03] Now we'll have 77 former Department of Justice officials [21:10] writing a letter in support of Blanche. [21:14] So I'll enter this in the record. [21:16] And I want to quote from this letter. [21:21] Senator Todd Blanche understands that the Department's mission [21:25] is to deliver justice, [21:28] not to serve political interests [21:30] and entrenched bureaucracies. [21:33] He has shown the courage and institutional knowledge [21:36] to restore the focus on public safety, [21:40] law enforcement support, and the rule of law. [21:43] His career path from paralegal to prosecutor [21:48] to second highest position in the department [21:51] gives him a perspective few others possess. [21:56] He knows what works because he has lived it at every level. [22:02] So without objection, the department [22:06] or the letter from 77 former DOJ officials [22:11] will be inserted. [22:14] We have a letter from the First Liberty Institute, [22:24] the nation's largest legal organization [22:29] dedicated solely to defending religious liberty. [22:35] The letter states, quote, [22:37] every attorney general faces difficult decisions [22:40] that will inevitably generate disagreement. [22:45] The proper question before the Senate [22:48] is not whether members agree with every future judgment, [22:52] but whether the nominee possesses the character, [22:55] experience, legal ability, and commitment [22:59] to constitutional government necessary [23:02] to faithfully discharge the office. [23:06] Mr. Blanche's career demonstrates those qualities [23:10] without objection. [23:12] That will be entered into the record. [23:21] Is he here? [23:25] We now turn to the nomination. [24:00] Wait, wait, wait. [24:01] I have to read that. [24:04] He's almost here. [24:05] I have one other letter to enter into the record [24:11] by Jacob Teitelbaum. [24:16] He praised Mr. Blanche's legal acumen and character, [24:22] stating, and I quote, [24:24] one on more than one occasion. [24:27] I went into Mr. Blanche's continue [24:31] to provide first-race representation [24:36] after learning that a client was facing [24:39] severe financial hardship, [24:42] often taking on cases on a pro bono [24:45] or substantially reduced fee basis. [24:48] It was evident that to him, [24:51] practicing law was not merely a profession. [24:53] It was a calling rooted in fairness, [24:59] dignity, and compassion. [25:01] These are precisely the qualities [25:03] that I believe our nation needs [25:05] in its next attorney general. [25:09] Firmness to the pursuit of justice, [25:12] joined with mercy and respect [25:14] for every person who enters the law, [25:17] end of quote. [25:20] We'll now turn to the nomination [25:23] of Daniel Traynor to be circuit judge, [25:27] U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, [25:30] 8th Circuit. [25:31] Clerk will call the roll. [25:34] Aye. [25:50] No. [25:51] By proxy. [25:56] No by proxy. [25:57] No. [25:57] No by proxy. [25:58] Mr. Ronald. [25:59] No by proxy. [26:02] Mr. Booker. [26:03] No by proxy. [26:04] No by proxy. [26:06] Mr. Welch. [26:06] No by proxy. [26:07] Mr. Schick. [26:08] No. [26:09] Chairman Grassley. [26:10] Aye. [26:11] The nomination will be favorably reported. [26:17] Now we go to Angela Monero, [26:24] Judge, U.S. District Court, [26:26] Southern District, Texas. [26:28] Clerk will call the roll. [26:31] Aye. [26:32] Aye. [26:47] No. [26:47] No by proxy. [26:51] No by proxy. [26:53] No by proxy. [26:54] Mr. Rona. [26:56] No by proxy. [26:56] No by proxy. [26:58] Mr. B. [26:59] No by proxy. [27:00] Mr. Welch. [27:00] No by proxy. [27:01] Mr. Smith. [27:02] Chairman Grassley. [27:04] Aye. [27:05] On this vote, [27:05] the eyes are 11, [27:06] the days are 10. [27:07] The nomination will be reported. [27:12] Now we have Kasteen Mitchell, [27:16] Judge, District Court, [27:18] Northern District, Texas. [27:20] Clerk will call the roll. [27:22] Aye. [27:23] Aye. [27:40] No. [27:42] No. [27:43] No by proxy. [27:45] No by proxy. [27:47] No by proxy. [27:48] Mr. Rona. [27:49] No by proxy. [27:50] Mr. Booker. [27:50] No by proxy. [27:51] Mr. Padilla. [27:52] No by proxy. [27:53] Mr. Welch. [27:54] No by proxy. [27:55] Mr. Schick. [27:55] No. [27:56] Chairman Grassley. [27:57] Aye. [27:58] On this vote, [27:59] the eyes are 11, [28:00] the days are 10. [28:00] Mitchell will be reported [28:04] to the Senate floor. [28:07] Now we have the nomination [28:09] of Michael Martin, [28:12] District Court, [28:13] Eastern District of Michigan. [28:17] Clerk will call the roll. [28:35] Aye. [28:36] No by proxy. [28:40] No by proxy. [28:43] No by proxy. [28:45] Mr. Rona. [28:46] Booker. [28:50] No by proxy. [28:51] Who's here? [28:53] No by proxy. [28:54] Who else? [28:55] No by proxy. [28:56] Schick. [28:59] Aye. [29:00] Jamie Grassley. [29:01] The nomination, [29:03] the nomination will be [29:06] will be favorably reported. [29:09] Now the last one is [29:10] Antonio Pozo, [29:13] Eastern District, [29:14] Pennsylvania. [29:15] Clerk will call the roll. [29:32] Rick. [29:33] Aye. [29:33] Moody. [29:34] Mr. Rubin. [29:36] Aye. [29:38] No. [29:40] Mr. Blumenthal. [29:41] No by proxy. [29:42] Mr. Coos. [29:43] No by proxy. [29:44] Mr. Blumenthal. [29:45] No by proxy. [29:46] Mr. Rona. [29:48] No. [29:49] Mr. Booker. [29:50] No by proxy. [29:51] Padilla. [29:52] No by proxy. [29:53] Mr. Welch. [29:54] No by proxy. [29:55] Mr. Schick. [29:55] Aye. [30:02] The nomination favorably voted on [30:07] will be reported. [30:09] We will. [30:12] This ends our business meeting. [30:20] Now I call the hearing to order. [30:25] I would like to have the witnesses. [30:33] Would you please stand? [30:34] Because we swear each in at every meeting. [30:41] Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give before this committee will be the truth, [30:52] the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? [30:54] So help you guys. [30:56] I do. [30:57] They all answered. [30:58] Affirmative. [31:00] Okay. [31:02] I'd like to give an opening. [31:10] Let's say something. [31:11] I would say something. [31:11] Okay. [31:15] So welcome back, Senator Ashcroft. [31:19] Will you please begin your testimony, and then we'll go right down the list of people [31:27] the way you're seated there. [31:28] Well, thank you, Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin. [31:34] I'm grateful to you. [31:35] Please allow me just a moment to extend my condolences to the committee, [31:40] the friends and colleagues of Senator Lindsey Graham. [31:44] He had a vivid history of bringing out the best in people he worked with on both sides of the aisle, [31:50] and we enjoyed his friendship, and I take this moment to say my condolences and my sympathy. [31:58] Also to Jennifer Boss, whose daughter was brutally murdered. [32:06] Allow me to thank you for your serious consideration and attention to the constitutional responsibility [32:11] of confirming high-ranking executive branch officials. [32:15] It's an honor for me to participate with you today by my appearance. [32:21] Testifying and sharing my profound support for the nomination of the Honorable Todd Blanche [32:26] as Attorney General of the United States is something for which I am deeply grateful. [32:32] Justice is best served in the United States through a commitment to uphold the Constitution [32:38] and laws of this country. [32:42] Integrity is an indispensable imperative for the rule of law. [32:46] The rule of law is the best friend of constitutionally guarded liberty. [32:52] For the highest quality administration of justice, law enforcement must never be diluted [32:57] nor contaminated by personal bias or political preferences. [33:02] Todd Blanche's record of upholding the Constitution and enforcing the law recommends him supremely [33:08] to serve America as the 88th Attorney General of these United States. [33:13] I know of no person, no person of a higher commitment to integrity. [33:18] He has spoken the unvarnished truth to those he works for and to those he works with. [33:25] Todd's career stands as an outstanding record of public service. [33:29] He is a consistently well-prepared, tough, but fair prosecutor, fundamentally focused on the Constitution. [33:38] He understands that he has a profound responsibility in the Justice Department to seek justice, [33:43] not merely to prosecute. [33:45] Twenty-five years ago, during my opportunity to serve as Attorney General, [33:51] Todd worked as an individual in the Justice Department. [33:58] And in his law school years, Todd worked with the Justice Department. [34:02] And in that respect, upon graduation from law school, he clerked for several judges, [34:10] two of whom are now serving on the respected nationally focused Second Circuit Court of Appeals. [34:15] So he had an understanding of the law from both the prosecutorial side and the side of the bench. [34:24] Following his clerkships, Todd became an assistant United States attorney as the U.S. Attorney Office for South Southern District of New York, [34:33] a premier prosecutorial office of the United States. [34:37] He spent roughly two years as the co-chief of the Violent Crimes Unit, supervising there nearly two dozen prosecutors, [34:45] then served as the co-chief of the office's White Plains Division, [34:51] where he presided over a wide span of work, public corruption, securities, and bank and wire fraud, [34:58] federal programs, fraud, Medicare fraud, RICO, and violent crime. [35:03] Today, as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General, Todd energizes the roughly 115,000 employees [35:11] from across Maine Justice, the FBI, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, [35:19] and 93 U.S. Attorney's offices that span the United States. [35:25] He's conducted the Department's daily operations at full scale, [35:29] demonstrating his readiness to manage the office in his own right. [35:33] Todd, therefore, brings to the Department of Justice a relevant reservoir of experience, [35:41] coupled with sound judgment on an array of different issues. [35:45] They're all related to law enforcement and the administration of justice. [35:49] He understands that the rule of law exists to secure this and safeguard the God-given rights of liberty and freedom in America. [35:59] In professional moments, both private and public, I have seen Todd's thoughtful, decisive, yet humble leadership. [36:08] He's a careful and willing listener, skilled at welcoming diverse viewpoints. [36:13] He is adept at synthesizing and harmonizing different voices in complex situations. [36:20] He is comfortable in being held to account, [36:24] and he will require those in the Department to be similarly accessible and accountable. [36:29] Todd Blanche's record reflects a commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. [36:36] Our 250th anniversary properly reminds us that liberty is the core value of America. [36:42] In fact, it's a core value of human existence. [36:46] To safeguard this core cultural value, [36:50] America needs an attorney general exclusively devoted to the rule of law [36:54] and who unfailingly will honor his oath to the Constitution, [37:01] Todd Blanche is the right person for that responsibility. [37:05] Mr. Chairman and committee members, [37:07] thank you for what I consider to be a privilege [37:09] to appear before this committee and communicate to you [37:13] my unreserved endorsement of Todd Blanche [37:16] for Attorney General of the United States. [37:19] And I thank you for this opportunity. [37:21] Thank you, Mr. Ashcroft. [37:24] Now, Ms. Vansky. [37:27] Thank you. [37:28] First, I'd like to thank you and the committee for hearing... [37:30] Microphone. [37:31] Oh, sorry. [37:32] Let's push the red button. [37:33] There we go. [37:35] Thank you. [37:36] First, I'd like to thank you all, [37:37] and thank you to the committee for hearing survivor voices. [37:41] I'd like to remind you of who you're hearing from today. [37:44] At this time, can my survivor sisters and family please rise? [37:51] We may look like grown adults when you see us now, [37:54] but we were children, young girls at the time of our abuse. [37:58] These are the photos of when our innocence, dreams, and lives were stolen. [38:03] Please take these faces in as you think of us as your own family, [38:07] daughters, nieces, sisters. [38:10] Now look at our faces and remember the women and families [38:13] of who the DOJ re-victimized. [38:17] You guys can sit. [38:17] Thank you so much. [38:20] I'm a teacher. [38:22] In my school, if a student released a nude photo depicting a peer's [38:25] sexual assault and abuse, they would almost certainly face expulsion. [38:30] And yet, this is what our Department of Justice did to crime victims. [38:35] Today, Todd Blanche, well, Todd Blanche has been at the helm of the release [38:40] of nude images of survivors, the outing of Jane Doe's, [38:43] and the exposure of more than 100 victims identifying information [38:47] and documents describing horrific acts of abuse, including my own. [38:54] Instead of treating this release as its own violation [38:57] and holding the man who led it accountable, [39:01] you have a decision on whether you place him [39:04] in the highest law enforcement position in this country. [39:10] In December, before the document release, [39:12] our attorneys submitted 350 victims' names [39:15] to the Department of Justice as victims' names to be redacted prior [39:21] to the release. [39:22] In that first release, I found my name in two places. [39:25] In that next release in January, my name appeared again, [39:28] but this time the redactions were so far worse. [39:31] The files displayed not only my name, but my phone number, [39:34] my former addresses, where I worked, [39:36] and other identifying information. [39:39] When my name appeared in the third file release, [39:42] it became difficult to believe that this was not intentional. [39:47] Despite my lawyer repeatedly contacting the DOJ, [39:50] seeking protection, my information continued to be exposed. [39:55] And it's not just my name. [39:56] It's the identifying information. [39:59] These documents contain disturbing yet incomplete accounts [40:02] of my abuse. [40:03] They were available not only for the entire world to see, [40:06] but my child, my students, my friends, my employers, [40:10] my colleagues, and my family. [40:12] It was humiliating. [40:15] Worse, my FBI 302 exposed a Jane Doe, [40:18] who had fought for decades to conceal her identity. [40:23] It's been absolutely devastating. [40:26] Outing survivors causes real and irrevocable harm. [40:31] While coping with our emotional distress [40:33] and psychological trauma, [40:34] we also have lost our privacy and confidentiality, [40:39] suffered reputational harm, lost jobs, [40:41] and now fear for our personal safety. [40:45] We are not activists. [40:48] We are crime victims. [40:50] For us, this has never been about politics. [40:53] It has been about getting justice [40:55] for the crimes committed against us. [40:59] And the reductions are not the only problem [41:00] with Todd Blanche's nomination. [41:02] Todd Blanche has never attempted to listen to us, [41:05] the crime victims. [41:06] Survivors in this room repeatedly asked [41:09] to meet with Todd Blanche through multiple channels. [41:11] He never responded. [41:13] Yesterday, he said he would meet with us, [41:15] with our attorneys, if they were present. [41:18] But let's be clear, that was the first time [41:20] that that was ever communicated to us before yesterday. [41:23] He simply ignored us for the last eight months. [41:28] He's been radio silent, and the silence was deafening. [41:32] Crime victims deserve better [41:33] from the nation's highest level of law enforcement officials. [41:37] We deserve to be heard directly, [41:39] not dismissed and ignored. [41:42] There are numerous investigative leads [41:44] that must be followed, [41:45] despite Mr. Blanche's claim that there are none. [41:49] Epstein and Maxwell did not abuse women and children alone. [41:53] They did not build their operation alone. [41:57] Others enabled these crimes, [41:58] exploited victims, [42:00] and avoided accountability for decades. [42:02] You do not have to take my word for it. [42:06] Several weeks ago, [42:06] after examining the evidence, [42:08] Chairman James Comer directed Todd Blanche [42:11] to open investigations into two men connected to Epstein. [42:15] The Epstein files are not merely a collection [42:18] of embarrassing names [42:20] and politically damaging associations. [42:23] They are records connected [42:24] to the sexual exploitation [42:26] and trafficking of girls and young women. [42:30] They contain information [42:32] about how Epstein's network worked, [42:35] who assisted him, [42:36] and whether additional crimes [42:37] can still be investigated. [42:39] The Department of Justice [42:40] should pursue every credible lead, [42:43] not just tirelessly, [42:45] tirelessly, work tirelessly, [42:48] not just to shut down the investigations. [42:51] The survivors in this room [42:52] know there are investigative leads [42:54] because they are our stories. [42:57] Mr. Blanche knows it too, [42:59] yet he has chosen not to pursue them. [43:01] Mr. Blanche's actions [43:02] have destroyed survivors' trust. [43:06] According to public reporting, [43:08] Mr. Blanche spent approximately [43:09] nine hours meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell. [43:13] He did not even spend nine minutes [43:15] meeting with a survivor. [43:17] Afterward, Maxwell was transferred [43:19] to what many have described [43:20] as a summer camp prison. [43:23] We learned all of this through the news. [43:25] Imagine what that feels like [43:27] as a survivor to sit there [43:28] if you were exploited by Ghislaine Maxwell [43:30] and you're hearing this [43:31] for the first time [43:32] with no explanation, [43:33] no outreach, [43:34] and no transparency from your... [43:35] And to add insult to injury, [43:39] the information that Todd Blanche [43:40] gathered in the White House [43:41] Situation Room last summer [43:43] to curb the political fallout [43:45] from the Epstein files [43:46] was absolutely abhorrent. [43:49] Instead of following investigative leads, [43:51] our government treated [43:52] and continued to treat this [43:53] as a political crisis [43:56] that needs to be managed. [43:57] In our nation, [43:59] everyone deserves equal protection [44:00] under the law. [44:02] Todd Blanche has been unwilling [44:04] to protect Epstein survivors' [44:06] personal information, [44:07] and he has been resistant [44:09] to investigate the people [44:12] who helped Epstein and Maxwell [44:13] commit those crimes. [44:14] We need an attorney general [44:16] committed to ensuring [44:17] that everyone who facilitated [44:19] Epstein's crimes [44:20] is held accountable. [44:23] Please, I implore you, [44:24] please think carefully [44:27] and think about the girls [44:28] in these photos. [44:30] Thank you. [44:31] Ms. Benski, now Ms. Boss. [44:41] Thank you, Chairman Grassley. [44:42] Is it on? [44:46] Thank you, Chairman Grassley [44:47] and Ranking Member Durbin [44:48] and members of the committee. [44:49] Can you pull it real close to you? [44:53] Pull it too much. [44:54] There. [44:55] Yeah, I think that's right. [44:56] There you go. [44:58] My name is Jennifer Boss. [45:00] I live in Antioch, Illinois. [45:01] I'm the mother of an angel [45:03] named Megan Boss, [45:04] and I'm here because my daughter's [45:06] tragic and gruesome death [45:07] has exposed catastrophic failures [45:10] in immigration enforcement [45:11] and drug trafficking policies. [45:14] The investigation into her death [45:16] continues, [45:17] but one truth is painfully clear. [45:20] Dangerous gaps in our system [45:21] allowed an illegal alien [45:22] to exploit our laws, [45:24] and my daughter paid [45:26] the ultimate price. [45:27] Losing Megan [45:29] and then being forced [45:31] to navigate multiple broken systems [45:33] while drowning in grief [45:35] taught me the policies [45:36] carrying life or death consequences [45:38] cannot remain political talking points. [45:42] That's why I've tried, [45:43] despite the most intense heartache [45:45] anyone can ever experience, [45:48] to speak locally and nationally [45:50] about the four crises [45:52] that compounded our tragedy. [45:55] Illegal immigration, [45:57] sanctuary policies, [45:59] the fentanyl crisis, [46:01] and cashless bail. [46:01] I'm so grateful [46:04] that the whole of this administration [46:06] with Todd Blanche [46:07] leading the DOJ [46:08] has prioritized [46:09] all four of these issues. [46:11] I'm asking the committee [46:13] not to wait [46:14] until another mother [46:15] is sitting where I am. [46:17] Confirm Todd Blanche. [46:19] He is the leader [46:20] who will uphold the law, [46:22] honor victims, [46:23] confront dangerous criminal organizations, [46:26] and fight to give [46:26] other American families [46:28] the safety [46:28] and lasting protection [46:30] that came too late for mine. [46:32] I couldn't save my daughter, [46:38] but Todd Blanche's [46:39] Attorney General, [46:40] he might save yours. [46:42] Because next time, [46:43] it could be your child. [46:44] It could be your family. [46:48] It could be you. [46:50] This can happen to anyone. [46:54] We must have leaders [46:55] that are willing to act [46:56] before the next life is taken. [46:59] Leaders that are willing [46:59] to confront the failures [47:01] instead of explaining them away. [47:03] Leaders like Todd Blanche. [47:07] Megan was my firstborn. [47:08] She was a mom [47:11] and a sister and an aunt. [47:13] Loyal friend. [47:17] She was bubbly and funny. [47:22] She loved to be silly. [47:24] Sorry. [47:28] She was extraordinarily creative. [47:30] And she was blessed [47:32] with the spirit [47:33] that just lit up the room. [47:37] In February of 2025, [47:39] Megan disappeared. [47:40] For 51 days, [47:42] our family lived [47:43] in the most unbearable agony. [47:47] Day after day, [47:48] I did everything [47:48] I could think of [47:49] to search for her. [47:50] Instead of bringing Megan home, [47:54] our search ended [47:55] with the most unbearable truth [47:56] the mother could ever [47:57] be forced to face. [48:08] We learned [48:09] that Megan's life [48:12] had been cut short [48:14] and her body was concealed, [48:20] stuffed upside down [48:21] in a garbage can [48:22] filled with bleach [48:24] by an illegal alien [48:29] that had no right [48:30] to be here. [48:32] Again, [48:33] she was stuffed [48:35] upside down [48:36] in a garbage can [48:38] for 51 days [48:39] soaking in bleach [48:42] for seven weeks. [48:52] This man [48:52] walked past [48:53] that garbage can [48:54] on his way [48:55] to the bakery [48:56] he worked at [48:57] every day [48:58] under a fake name. [49:02] And during those weeks, [49:03] I couldn't breathe [49:04] or eat or sleep. [49:06] We searched [49:07] his neighborhood. [49:09] We knocked [49:10] on his door. [49:12] We left Megan [49:15] flyers [49:16] with Megan's face [49:17] on every surface [49:19] we could find. [49:22] And then I learned [49:23] she was only [49:26] a driveway distance [49:27] away from us [49:28] the whole time. [49:41] Not only was she killed, [49:42] but her dignity [49:43] was stolen [49:43] and death. [49:46] Had Megan not been [49:47] identified by the tattoos [49:49] that she loved [49:50] so dearly, [49:52] even the beautiful image [49:54] of my daughter [49:54] that I hold [49:55] in my heart, [49:56] in my head, [49:58] it would have been [49:58] replaced forever [49:59] by the unbearable image [50:01] of what had been [50:02] done to her. [50:06] Megan's daughter. [50:06] She was only [50:08] five years old [50:08] when this happened. [50:11] Her life with Megan [50:12] and her right to know [50:14] and make memories [50:15] with her mom [50:15] that was stolen. [50:18] This is Megan's bracelet. [50:25] It's a charm bracelet. [50:26] We started [50:27] when she was five. [50:29] And it has [50:29] every memory on it [50:31] from growing up, [50:34] every milestone, [50:35] every place [50:35] that we visit, [50:37] anything that was [50:37] important to her. [50:39] It's here. [50:42] This is her story. [50:43] And these are the stories [50:45] that she should be [50:47] telling her daughter. [50:50] I have to hope [50:51] I can remember them all. [50:53] There's so many. [50:55] My husband and I, [51:03] we won't be retiring [51:03] like we imagined, [51:05] of course, [51:05] because we have to pray [51:07] that we live long enough [51:08] to raise her little girl [51:09] into adulthood. [51:13] And this is because [51:14] our laws [51:15] that we already have [51:17] aren't enforced. [51:21] This is why victims [51:22] don't care [51:23] about partisan victories. [51:25] We care whether [51:27] the dangerous criminals [51:28] and drug traffickers [51:29] and cartels [51:30] are stopped [51:31] before another loved one [51:32] is buried [51:33] and another family's [51:34] life is shattered. [51:36] Right now, [51:41] governors and local officials [51:43] enact sanctuary protections, [51:45] cashless bail policies, [51:47] and identification laws [51:48] that undermine [51:49] federal enforcement [51:50] and create dangerous [51:51] public safety loopholes. [51:53] a criminal [51:55] that's released [51:56] under a reckless [51:57] local policy [51:58] does not remain [52:00] inside that city [52:01] or state. [52:02] He can cross [52:03] into yours. [52:06] Megan's perpetrator [52:07] was released [52:08] the day after [52:09] he was arrested. [52:12] Do you want him [52:13] as your neighbor? [52:17] Angel families [52:17] have told me [52:18] how they've been [52:20] entirely abandoned [52:21] and ignored [52:22] by the government. [52:24] Our children [52:25] and our families [52:26] were politically [52:27] inconvenient. [52:28] Some of these [52:28] Angel families [52:29] have been trying [52:30] asking for someone [52:33] to listen to the stories [52:34] and learn from [52:35] what's happened to us [52:36] for more than 25 years. [52:39] In this very room, [52:46] the last Angel mom [52:48] that sat here [52:49] was asked [52:52] how come she was here [52:54] and why did they have [52:55] to sit through [52:56] another hearing. [53:02] That's beginning [53:03] to change now [53:04] under the current [53:05] leadership of Todd Blanche. [53:08] Angel families [53:08] finally are feeling [53:10] hurt and respected. [53:11] And taken seriously, [53:13] there is a renewed focus [53:16] on prosecuting immigration [53:17] crimes and the [53:19] transnational criminal [53:20] organizations, [53:21] drug trafficking, [53:23] and the like. [53:24] So much work [53:26] that's done by ICE [53:27] and Homeland Security. [53:29] Investigations [53:30] goes unseen. [53:31] It's not limited [53:32] to detaining [53:33] the individuals [53:34] who escaped detection [53:36] at the border. [53:37] Their work is [53:38] life-protecting. [53:42] From the time [53:43] that I've spent [53:43] talking with Todd Blanche, [53:45] I knew immediately [53:45] that he makes [53:46] victims a priority. [53:51] Under his direction, [53:52] the DOJ [53:52] has engaged directly [53:54] with the Angel families [53:55] and treated us [53:56] not like political props, [53:59] but as partners [54:00] in preventing future tragedies. [54:03] And that's all [54:03] that we've ever asked for. [54:05] Justice can't bring [54:09] our children home. [54:11] Nothing, [54:12] nothing can. [54:15] So the justice [54:16] that we're seeking now [54:17] is the assurance [54:18] that their deaths [54:20] won't be ignored [54:21] and they won't be in vain. [54:24] And preventable tragedies [54:26] from these laws [54:27] not being enforced [54:28] won't be repeated. [54:30] I 100% believe [54:34] Todd Blanche [54:35] will be the one [54:36] who can deliver [54:37] that justice, [54:39] saving lives [54:40] of people [54:41] who'll never know it. [54:42] Thank you. [54:43] Thank you. [54:44] Thank you, Ms. Boss. [54:45] Now, Ms. Oyer. [54:48] Good morning, [54:52] Chairman Grassley, [54:53] Ranking Member Durbin, [54:54] and members [54:55] of this committee. [54:56] I am here [54:57] as a public servant, [54:59] a former Justice Department [55:00] employee, [55:00] and a concerned American [55:02] who cares deeply [55:03] about the future [55:04] of our country. [55:05] I had great hope [55:08] that Todd Blanche [55:09] would be an effective leader [55:10] and a responsible steward [55:11] of the Department of Justice, [55:13] but he quickly [55:14] proved me wrong. [55:16] Two days [55:17] after Mr. Blanche [55:18] was confirmed [55:19] as Deputy Attorney General, [55:20] he fired me [55:21] from my position [55:22] as the Department's [55:23] career pardon attorney. [55:25] I declined [55:26] to rubber stamp [55:27] a political favor [55:28] for a friend [55:29] of the President, [55:29] and it cost me my job. [55:32] Mr. Blanche's office [55:33] had asked me [55:34] to recommend [55:34] restoring the gun ownership [55:36] rights of a convicted [55:37] domestic abuser. [55:39] I raised concerns [55:41] about public safety, [55:43] but Mr. Blanche's staff [55:44] pressured me [55:45] to go along anyway. [55:47] I did not. [55:49] Domestic violence [55:49] is the leading type [55:51] of homicide [55:51] among women. [55:53] When a domestic abuser [55:54] is armed, [55:55] his victim [55:56] is five times [55:57] more likely [55:58] to be killed. [56:00] But because [56:01] this particular [56:02] domestic abuser [56:03] had a personal relationship [56:05] with the President, [56:06] Mr. Blanche's staff [56:07] asked me [56:07] to set aside [56:08] my concerns. [56:10] When I wouldn't, [56:11] Mr. Blanche fired me [56:12] within hours. [56:14] He then took [56:14] extraordinary measures [56:16] to silence me. [56:17] He sent U.S. Marshals [56:19] to my home [56:19] in an effort [56:20] to prevent me [56:21] from speaking [56:22] with members of Congress. [56:25] I was shocked [56:26] to hear Mr. Blanche's [56:27] testimony [56:28] about this yesterday. [56:30] What he said [56:31] about my firing [56:31] is provably false. [56:34] His claim [56:35] that it had nothing [56:36] to do with the concerns [56:37] I raised [56:37] is contradicted [56:38] by documents [56:39] and evidence. [56:41] His claim [56:41] that he tried [56:42] to call me [56:42] before sending [56:43] marshals [56:44] to my home [56:44] is flat-out false. [56:47] His claim [56:48] that it is normal [56:49] for DOJ [56:50] to use armed [56:51] law enforcement officers [56:52] to deliver mail [56:53] to the homes [56:54] of its former employees [56:56] is preposterous. [57:00] The casual lies [57:01] that Mr. Blanche tells, [57:03] even while sitting [57:04] in this chair, [57:06] testifying to this committee, [57:08] are emblematic [57:09] of a much larger problem. [57:13] Courts across the country [57:14] have said [57:15] they can no longer [57:16] trust the Justice Department [57:18] to uphold the law [57:20] and tell the truth. [57:23] There are over 700 [57:24] documented instances [57:26] of DOJ violating [57:28] judicial orders. [57:29] There are nearly 100 cases [57:31] in which judges [57:33] appointed by both parties [57:34] have found [57:35] that DOJ presented [57:36] false or misleading [57:38] information in court. [57:40] Earlier this week, [57:41] a federal judge [57:42] found that Mr. Blanche [57:44] personally misled [57:45] this Congress [57:46] about the Department's [57:48] settlement agreement [57:48] with President Trump. [57:51] To the American public, [57:53] it looks like Mr. Blanche [57:54] is running DOJ [57:55] as Donald Trump's [57:56] personal law firm. [57:59] He is using [57:59] law enforcement powers [58:01] to pursue petty grudges [58:03] harbored by the President. [58:05] These pointless vendettas [58:07] are wasting our scarce resources [58:10] and destroying DOJ's credibility. [58:12] Mr. Blanche has repeatedly [58:16] placed President Trump's interests [58:18] ahead of the interests [58:20] of the country. [58:20] The Collusive Settlement Agreement [58:23] is a perfect example. [58:25] It protects the entire Trump family [58:28] and all of their businesses [58:29] from any investigation [58:31] or audit forever. [58:35] It gives away nearly [58:36] $2 billion of our money [58:38] for no reason at all. [58:41] It is a windfall [58:42] for the President [58:42] and his allies [58:43] at the expense [58:44] of the American people. [58:47] A court found [58:48] that signing this agreement [58:49] was a betrayal [58:50] of Mr. Blanche's duty [58:51] to zealously represent [58:53] the interests [58:53] of the United States. [58:55] That is the most basic [58:57] obligation [58:57] of the Attorney General. [59:01] Mr. Blanche said yesterday [59:02] that the settlement fund [59:03] is dead. [59:04] It is not. [59:06] That is Contract Law 101. [59:08] Mr. Trump or his sons [59:10] could seek to enforce it [59:11] at any time. [59:14] Mr. Blanche gave [59:15] bizarre excuses [59:17] for not meeting [59:18] with Jeffrey Epstein's victims. [59:21] Yet he spent two days [59:22] personally eliciting testimony [59:24] from Ghislaine Maxwell, [59:26] Epstein's partner in crime. [59:29] After this imprisoned [59:30] sex trafficker [59:31] made statements [59:32] claiming to exonerate [59:34] the President, [59:35] she was moved [59:35] to a minimum security camp. [59:38] That is a grievous breach [59:40] of DOJ policy. [59:42] It is an abuse [59:43] of Mr. Blanche's office. [59:46] It is a terrible betrayal [59:47] of Epstein and Maxwell's victims. [59:52] Mr. Blanche's callous [59:53] approach to the Epstein case [59:55] matches his cavalier attitude [59:57] toward rearming [59:59] domestic abusers. [1:00:01] At the end of the day, [1:00:02] the priority of this DOJ [1:00:04] is protecting powerful men [1:00:06] even when it comes [1:00:08] at the expense [1:00:09] of vulnerable women. [1:00:12] What Mr. Blanche is doing [1:00:13] is dangerous. [1:00:15] Earlier this week, [1:00:16] two Supreme Court justices [1:00:18] sat here and testified [1:00:19] about the terrifying threats [1:00:21] that judges are facing [1:00:22] in this country. [1:00:24] Meanwhile, [1:00:25] Mr. Blanche is fueling [1:00:26] those threats [1:00:27] by attacking judges [1:00:28] who rule against [1:00:29] the administration [1:00:30] and declaring a war [1:00:32] against the courts. [1:00:34] These are not [1:00:35] partisan concerns. [1:00:37] Americans across [1:00:38] the political spectrum [1:00:40] rely on DOJ [1:00:41] to keep us safe [1:00:42] and free. [1:00:44] Mr. Blanche has shown [1:00:45] that he is willing [1:00:46] to put all of that [1:00:47] at risk to serve [1:00:48] a political agenda. [1:00:51] I beg the members [1:00:52] of this committee [1:00:52] to think about [1:00:53] what this is costing [1:00:54] our country. [1:00:56] Please do not degrade [1:00:57] our justice system further [1:00:59] by promoting Mr. Blanche. [1:01:01] Thank you. [1:01:02] Thank you, Mr. O'Hara. [1:01:04] Now, Mr. Adler. [1:01:08] Good morning, [1:01:09] Chairman Grassley, [1:01:10] Ranking Member Durbin, [1:01:11] and distinguished members [1:01:12] of the Senate Judiciary Committee. [1:01:14] My name is John Adler, [1:01:15] and I appear before you today [1:01:16] in my personal capacity [1:01:17] to provide testimony [1:01:18] in support of the nomination [1:01:20] of the Honorable Todd Blanche [1:01:21] to serve as the United States [1:01:23] Attorney General. [1:01:24] I respectfully offer [1:01:25] my perspective [1:01:26] both as a former colleague [1:01:27] of Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:01:28] and as a national [1:01:30] law enforcement organization leader. [1:01:32] My experience [1:01:33] in law enforcement [1:01:34] spans over 30 years, [1:01:35] and I was honored [1:01:36] to serve under 10 [1:01:37] Attorney Generals [1:01:38] as a federal law enforcement officer. [1:01:40] Concurrent with my active duty [1:01:41] law enforcement service, [1:01:43] I also served [1:01:44] as the national president [1:01:45] of the Federal Law [1:01:45] Enforcement Officers Association [1:01:47] for two terms [1:01:48] representing federal offices [1:01:49] from 65 different agencies [1:01:52] nationwide. [1:01:53] As a volunteer law enforcement leader, [1:01:55] I had and continue [1:01:56] to have the privilege [1:01:57] of serving with the leaders [1:01:58] of the largest national [1:01:59] law enforcement organizations, [1:02:01] including the FOP, [1:02:03] NAPO, NSA, IACP, [1:02:05] and others. [1:02:05] I have dedicated my life [1:02:07] towards making it safer [1:02:08] for those who serve [1:02:09] and supporting innovative approaches [1:02:11] towards augmenting both officer [1:02:12] and public safety, [1:02:14] which are intertwined. [1:02:15] As a career tactical instructor, [1:02:17] I emphasize marrying [1:02:19] tactical proficiency [1:02:20] with compassion and civility. [1:02:22] Within a legal context, [1:02:23] I am convinced [1:02:24] that Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:02:26] exudes this. [1:02:27] When I joined [1:02:28] the U.S. Attorney's Office [1:02:29] in April 2001, [1:02:30] I met an incredibly intelligent [1:02:32] and highly motivated paralegal [1:02:34] by the name of Todd Blanche. [1:02:36] My first impression [1:02:37] of then-paralegal Blanche [1:02:38] was that he moved [1:02:39] like a football fullback, [1:02:41] carrying the federal [1:02:41] criminal statutes book [1:02:43] under his arm [1:02:43] as he charged [1:02:44] through the revolving doors. [1:02:46] It didn't take long [1:02:47] for me to figure out [1:02:48] why all the prosecutors [1:02:49] were so friendly [1:02:49] with Mr. Blanche. [1:02:51] They all wanted him [1:02:52] on their trial teams. [1:02:53] It was clear [1:02:54] from the beginning [1:02:54] that paralegal Blanche [1:02:56] had a passion [1:02:57] for prosecuting [1:02:57] violent crimes. [1:02:59] He later became [1:03:00] an assistant U.S. attorney [1:03:01] and his amazing work ethic [1:03:03] and passion [1:03:03] for combating violent crime [1:03:05] were unparalleled [1:03:06] for a new AUSA. [1:03:08] AUSA Blanche exuded [1:03:09] the speak softly [1:03:11] but carry overwhelming [1:03:12] evidence demeanor. [1:03:13] It was no surprise [1:03:15] to anyone at the office [1:03:15] that AUSA Blanche [1:03:17] ultimately became [1:03:18] the co-chief [1:03:18] of the violent crimes unit. [1:03:21] It was clear [1:03:21] that Unit Chief Blanche [1:03:22] was fully committed [1:03:23] to litigating [1:03:24] violent crime cases [1:03:25] in furtherance [1:03:26] of public safety. [1:03:27] For context, [1:03:28] I want to emphasize [1:03:29] that the acting [1:03:30] attorney general [1:03:30] began his paralegal [1:03:32] and prosecutorial career [1:03:33] in an office [1:03:34] that was predominantly [1:03:34] represented by AUSAs [1:03:36] with different [1:03:37] political views. [1:03:38] What impressed me [1:03:39] during my 16 years [1:03:40] with the U.S. attorney's office [1:03:42] was the unified commitment [1:03:43] to the rule of law [1:03:45] irrespective [1:03:46] of political affiliation. [1:03:48] I am absolutely convinced [1:03:49] that if confirmed [1:03:50] as the attorney general, [1:03:52] acting attorney general Blanche [1:03:53] will carry forward [1:03:54] that spirit [1:03:55] and unwavering commitment [1:03:56] to the rule of law. [1:03:58] During the terrorist attacks [1:03:59] on September 11, 2001, [1:04:01] the U.S. attorney's office [1:04:02] in the Southern District [1:04:03] of New York [1:04:04] was located in the hot zone [1:04:05] in New York City. [1:04:07] While we often hear [1:04:08] the acting attorney general [1:04:09] speak of the extraordinary bravery [1:04:11] of first responders [1:04:12] who run forward [1:04:13] into harm's way, [1:04:14] he exuded that [1:04:15] charge-forward spirit [1:04:16] during the challenging days [1:04:17] following 9-11. [1:04:19] I have profound respect [1:04:20] for his service [1:04:21] above self-spirit then, [1:04:22] and it has only grown. [1:04:25] Moving forward [1:04:25] to Deputy Attorney General Blanche's [1:04:27] tenure as the acting [1:04:28] attorney general, [1:04:29] his outreach and engagement [1:04:30] with law enforcement [1:04:31] nationwide [1:04:32] has been extraordinary. [1:04:34] Same can be said [1:04:35] for his 24-7 staff. [1:04:37] In speaking with my fellow [1:04:38] National Law Enforcement [1:04:39] Organization leaders, [1:04:41] it is clear [1:04:42] that they have great respect [1:04:43] for the acting attorney general [1:04:44] and appreciate his commitment [1:04:46] to backing the blue. [1:04:48] Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:04:49] has demonstrated [1:04:50] a strong commitment [1:04:51] to officer safety [1:04:52] and ensuring that [1:04:53] all law enforcement officers [1:04:54] have the same protection [1:04:56] under the law. [1:04:57] According to the FBI's [1:04:58] recent annual report, [1:05:00] 90,000 law enforcement officers [1:05:01] were assaulted in 2025. [1:05:04] That represents a 10-year high. [1:05:06] Acting Attorney General [1:05:07] has made clear [1:05:08] that his department [1:05:09] will stand by law enforcement [1:05:10] and support the prosecution [1:05:11] of anyone [1:05:12] who assaults [1:05:13] a law enforcement officer. [1:05:15] Civility does not work [1:05:17] when it's one-sided. [1:05:19] He has earned the respect [1:05:20] and admiration [1:05:20] of officers nationwide. [1:05:22] In terms of civility, [1:05:24] Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:05:25] has distinguished himself [1:05:26] during the substantial time [1:05:27] he spent with all the [1:05:28] national law enforcement [1:05:29] organizations [1:05:29] during National Police Week. [1:05:31] In particular, [1:05:32] the time he spent [1:05:33] with the concerns [1:05:34] of police survivors, [1:05:36] which are the survivors [1:05:37] of our heroes killed [1:05:37] in the line of duty [1:05:38] was heartfelt and riveting. [1:05:41] Much like his powerful support [1:05:42] for our angel families, [1:05:44] Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:05:45] is equally supportive [1:05:46] of the surviving family members [1:05:47] of our fallen heroes. [1:05:49] And I have no doubt [1:05:50] he will continue that [1:05:51] as he prioritizes [1:05:52] the safety of all Americans. [1:05:54] As the father [1:05:54] of beautiful teenage daughter, [1:05:56] I worry about her safety [1:05:57] every day. [1:05:58] I expect our government leaders [1:06:00] to do everything they can [1:06:01] to support a safe [1:06:02] and just quality of life [1:06:03] for all our children. [1:06:05] That should be [1:06:06] an unbreakable priority. [1:06:08] I sleep well knowing [1:06:09] that my daughter's safety [1:06:10] and all Americans [1:06:11] are an unwavering priority [1:06:12] for Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:06:14] and his team. [1:06:15] Under his leadership [1:06:16] and through the dedication [1:06:17] of all law enforcement officers, [1:06:19] violent crime continues [1:06:20] to be driven down. [1:06:22] We must sustain [1:06:23] these powerful results [1:06:24] and we need [1:06:25] Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:06:26] to be confirmed [1:06:27] as our nation's [1:06:28] chief law enforcement officer. [1:06:30] Throughout my law enforcement career, [1:06:31] I wore and continue [1:06:33] to wear a pendant [1:06:33] that has John 15, 13 inscribed. [1:06:36] Greater love [1:06:37] hath no one than this [1:06:38] than to lay down [1:06:39] when life's for a friend. [1:06:40] I am absolutely convinced [1:06:42] that the Acting Attorney General, [1:06:43] Acting Attorney General Blanche, [1:06:45] will exude that spirit [1:06:46] of the scripture [1:06:47] and do everything he can [1:06:48] to protect the safety [1:06:49] of all Americans [1:06:50] by following the rule of law. [1:06:53] I therefore respect [1:06:53] that the committee [1:06:54] set aside any political differences, [1:06:56] demonstrate its unwavering commitment [1:06:58] to both officer [1:06:59] and public safety, [1:07:00] and vote to confirm [1:07:01] Acting Attorney General Blanche [1:07:03] as the next Attorney General. [1:07:06] Thank you. [1:07:06] Thank you. [1:07:08] Ms. Boss, [1:07:09] first of all, [1:07:11] thank you for your courage [1:07:12] coming forward. [1:07:14] You know how important [1:07:15] it is to have [1:07:16] effective leadership [1:07:17] in pursuing justice. [1:07:20] I think you've answered [1:07:21] my question [1:07:22] in your last two minutes [1:07:25] of your testimony, [1:07:26] but I'd like to give you [1:07:27] an opportunity [1:07:28] to say it once again, [1:07:30] how you feel [1:07:31] about Mr. Blanche [1:07:32] and the prospects [1:07:33] of his continued leadership [1:07:35] at the Justice Department. [1:07:39] Thank you, Chairman. [1:07:41] I feel like [1:07:44] we have already seen [1:07:46] what has come out [1:07:48] of the Justice Department [1:07:49] as far as the prosecutions [1:07:52] of the drug trafficking, [1:07:56] the cartels. [1:07:57] He is following up [1:07:59] the hard work [1:08:00] of the men and women [1:08:01] that are in our [1:08:02] the ICE agents' [1:08:06] CBP, [1:08:07] and he's prosecuting [1:08:08] those dangerous criminals, [1:08:10] and that is making [1:08:11] a difference. [1:08:12] Okay. [1:08:13] Thank you very much. [1:08:14] Now, [1:08:14] Ms. Oyer, [1:08:15] we know the Biden [1:08:17] administration [1:08:18] was the most active [1:08:20] pardoning administration [1:08:23] in American history, [1:08:25] 4,000 total acts [1:08:27] of clemency. [1:08:28] I think you were [1:08:31] the pardoned attorney [1:08:32] on January the 17th, [1:08:34] 2025, [1:08:35] when President Biden [1:08:38] granted more communications [1:08:41] in a single day [1:08:42] than any prior president [1:08:44] had over that entire presidency. [1:08:46] Is that right? [1:08:48] I was the pardoned attorney [1:08:49] on that date, sir. [1:08:51] Okay. [1:08:51] Were you also [1:08:52] the pardoned attorney [1:08:54] on December 23rd, 2024, [1:08:57] when President Biden [1:08:59] commuted 37 [1:09:01] of 40 inmates [1:09:03] on federal death row? [1:09:05] Yes, sir, [1:09:06] I was. [1:09:07] Thank you for that. [1:09:08] Yes, sir. [1:09:09] So I want to [1:09:11] bring up [1:09:12] some of these [1:09:13] commutations. [1:09:16] Thomas Sanders, [1:09:17] who killed [1:09:19] a 12-year-old girl, [1:09:21] Lexis Roberts. [1:09:23] He shot Lexis [1:09:24] four times [1:09:25] and slid her throat [1:09:27] after the girl [1:09:28] had witnessed him [1:09:30] murder her mother. [1:09:32] Did you object [1:09:33] to President Biden's [1:09:34] commuting his sentence? [1:09:36] Sir, I'm not able [1:09:37] to discuss [1:09:38] the recommendations [1:09:39] that I made [1:09:40] to the president [1:09:40] regarding acts [1:09:42] of clemency. [1:09:44] Can you speak? [1:09:46] Did you turn [1:09:47] your microphone on? [1:09:51] I believe it's on, sir. [1:09:52] You were the pardoned attorney. [1:09:55] Yeah. [1:09:55] I was, yes. [1:09:56] You recommended, [1:09:57] you didn't object [1:09:58] to the recommendation. [1:10:00] Sir, I'm not [1:10:01] able to discuss [1:10:02] the recommendations [1:10:03] I provided [1:10:04] to the president [1:10:05] about clemency matters, [1:10:06] which are considered [1:10:07] to be covered [1:10:09] by executive privilege. [1:10:10] Okay, I want you [1:10:11] to know [1:10:11] that I have [1:10:12] read evidence [1:10:14] that you made [1:10:15] this recommendation. [1:10:16] So are you telling me [1:10:18] the evidence I read [1:10:19] that I'm wrong? [1:10:21] So did you make [1:10:22] the recommendation [1:10:22] or you don't want, [1:10:24] you're telling me [1:10:25] you can't talk about it? [1:10:26] Sir, just like [1:10:27] Mr. Blanche [1:10:27] explained yesterday, [1:10:28] I'm not free [1:10:29] to discuss [1:10:30] the recommendations [1:10:31] that I provided [1:10:32] to the White House [1:10:33] because they are [1:10:34] covered by [1:10:35] executive privilege. [1:10:37] You can't even tell me [1:10:38] if you contacted [1:10:40] the victim's family? [1:10:42] You can't say [1:10:42] yes or no to that? [1:10:45] Sir, I cannot [1:10:46] talk about [1:10:47] the discussions [1:10:48] I had unless [1:10:49] the White House [1:10:49] chooses to waive [1:10:50] the executive privilege. [1:10:52] I would be happy [1:10:52] to come back [1:10:53] and speak with [1:10:54] you or other members [1:10:55] of this committee. [1:10:56] And I think [1:10:57] what I'm going to do [1:10:58] is I'm going [1:10:59] to tell you [1:11:00] what I know. [1:11:02] So let's go [1:11:02] to the case [1:11:06] of Jorge Avila-Torres [1:11:08] who stabbed [1:11:09] to death [1:11:10] eight-year-old [1:11:11] Laura Hobbs [1:11:12] and nine-year-old [1:11:14] Crystal Tobias [1:11:16] who were riding [1:11:17] their bicycles [1:11:18] in a Chicago sunburb. [1:11:21] He had also [1:11:22] sexually assaulted [1:11:23] at least one of them. [1:11:26] And four years later [1:11:27] he strangled [1:11:27] to death [1:11:28] a 20-year-old [1:11:29] naval officer, [1:11:31] Amanda Snell. [1:11:32] in her barracks. [1:11:34] So you can't [1:11:36] talk about this [1:11:37] but I have [1:11:37] read evidence [1:11:39] that you made [1:11:39] this recommendation [1:11:40] and you can't [1:11:43] even tell me [1:11:43] yes or no [1:11:44] whether you made [1:11:45] that recommendation. [1:11:46] Well, sir, [1:11:47] what I can tell you [1:11:48] is that President Biden [1:11:49] did commute [1:11:49] the sentences [1:11:50] of 37 individuals [1:11:52] who were on death row [1:11:53] to sentences [1:11:54] of life imprisonment [1:11:55] and all of those [1:11:56] individuals [1:11:57] will remain [1:11:58] incarcerated [1:11:58] for the rest [1:11:59] of their lives [1:12:00] most likely [1:12:01] in maximum security [1:12:02] persons. [1:12:02] Well, we know [1:12:02] what the commentation [1:12:03] did [1:12:05] but the fact is [1:12:06] that they were [1:12:07] taken off death row. [1:12:09] Then we have [1:12:10] the case of [1:12:10] Dylan Roof [1:12:12] shot up [1:12:14] a church [1:12:15] in South Carolina [1:12:16] that made [1:12:17] national history [1:12:18] for a long period [1:12:19] of time [1:12:20] in his trial. [1:12:21] He murdered [1:12:22] nine African Americans [1:12:23] in a racially [1:12:24] motivated attack [1:12:26] and you're telling [1:12:28] and you're telling me [1:12:28] you can't talk [1:12:29] about that [1:12:29] but I have [1:12:30] read evidence [1:12:31] that you made [1:12:32] this recommendation [1:12:33] and since you [1:12:36] can't comment [1:12:37] on it [1:12:38] I'm just going [1:12:38] to have to tell you [1:12:39] that you made [1:12:40] that recommendation. [1:12:43] Robert Bowers [1:12:44] murdered 11 people [1:12:46] in Pittsburgh [1:12:47] Tree of Life [1:12:48] synagogue [1:12:48] in the deadliest [1:12:50] attack [1:12:51] on a local [1:12:52] Jewish community [1:12:53] in American history [1:12:54] and you're telling me [1:12:56] you can't talk [1:12:57] about the [1:12:58] commutation [1:12:59] of Robert Bowers [1:13:01] but I want to tell you [1:13:02] that I have read [1:13:03] evidence [1:13:04] that you made [1:13:05] this recommendation [1:13:06] and then also [1:13:09] Johar Sarnayoff [1:13:11] planted bombs [1:13:13] at the 2013 [1:13:15] Boston Marathon [1:13:16] killing three [1:13:17] and injuring [1:13:18] hundreds [1:13:19] in an act [1:13:20] of terrorism [1:13:21] and you're telling me [1:13:23] you can't talk [1:13:24] about that [1:13:24] but I want you [1:13:25] to know [1:13:25] that I have [1:13:26] read evidence [1:13:27] that you made [1:13:28] this recommendation [1:13:29] and it seems [1:13:31] pretty [1:13:32] I'm going to give [1:13:33] you a chance [1:13:33] to react to it [1:13:34] but it seems [1:13:35] pretty obvious [1:13:36] that you were fired [1:13:38] because the current [1:13:39] Justice Department [1:13:40] leadership [1:13:40] disagreed [1:13:41] with how you [1:13:42] handled [1:13:42] the pardons [1:13:44] last administration [1:13:45] you want to respond [1:13:46] Sir regarding [1:13:48] these cases [1:13:48] these are absolutely [1:13:49] horrific cases [1:13:51] and every one [1:13:52] of the individuals [1:13:52] you mentioned [1:13:53] will remain [1:13:54] incarcerated [1:13:55] for the rest [1:13:55] of their lives [1:13:56] most likely [1:13:57] in a maximum [1:13:57] security prison facility [1:13:59] as far as the reasons [1:14:00] for my firing [1:14:01] I've been in litigation [1:14:02] with the Justice Department [1:14:04] for over a year [1:14:05] about my firing [1:14:06] which was plainly illegal [1:14:08] and Mr. Blanche's comments [1:14:10] in this room yesterday [1:14:11] are the first time [1:14:12] I have ever heard [1:14:13] the explanation [1:14:14] that I was fired [1:14:15] because of recommendations [1:14:16] I made to the prior administration [1:14:19] about how to accomplish [1:14:20] their clemency objectives [1:14:22] Mr. Blanche's [1:14:24] Justice Department [1:14:25] submitted a pleading [1:14:26] to the Merit Systems [1:14:27] Protection Board [1:14:28] that stated [1:14:29] that the facts [1:14:30] about my firing [1:14:31] were not in dispute [1:14:33] the facts [1:14:34] as I have been saying [1:14:34] for one year plus [1:14:36] are that I was fired [1:14:37] within hours [1:14:38] of declining [1:14:39] to make a recommendation [1:14:40] that I believed [1:14:42] was very dangerous [1:14:43] and Mr. Blanche's [1:14:44] statement yesterday [1:14:46] that it was [1:14:46] for another reason [1:14:47] materialized out of thin air [1:14:49] and has never been stated before [1:14:51] Mr. Ashkoff [1:14:53] you served this nation [1:14:55] with distinction [1:14:56] during your tenure [1:14:57] as Attorney General [1:14:58] you know what it takes [1:14:59] to do the job [1:15:00] and to do it well [1:15:02] based on Mr. Blanche's [1:15:03] leadership [1:15:04] of the Justice Department [1:15:06] during this administration [1:15:07] do you believe [1:15:09] he would serve [1:15:10] as an effective [1:15:11] and capable [1:15:11] Attorney General? [1:15:14] I think the statistics [1:15:15] and the history [1:15:16] tells the story here [1:15:17] thank you for the question [1:15:18] but Todd Blanche [1:15:20] has a heritage [1:15:21] and history [1:15:22] of involvement [1:15:23] in the Justice Department [1:15:24] pursuing the rule of law [1:15:27] and enforcing the rule of law [1:15:28] and that extended [1:15:29] from his time [1:15:30] as an assistant [1:15:34] in the office [1:15:35] when I was Attorney General [1:15:36] 25 years ago [1:15:38] to recent times [1:15:39] when his aggressive approach [1:15:41] in fighting crime [1:15:42] has actually [1:15:44] been a part [1:15:46] of the effort [1:15:47] that's driven down [1:15:48] violent crime [1:15:49] across the country [1:15:50] and particularly [1:15:51] in cases where [1:15:52] the department [1:15:53] has been welcomed [1:15:54] to assist [1:15:54] and work with local officials [1:15:57] in my home jurisdiction [1:15:58] in southwest Missouri [1:15:59] they had [1:16:00] Operation Spring Cleanup [1:16:02] and a number of [1:16:04] very important [1:16:05] prosecutions [1:16:07] were begun [1:16:08] at that time [1:16:08] and I think [1:16:10] it's a credit to him [1:16:10] and I have no doubt [1:16:12] that his commitment [1:16:13] to maintaining [1:16:14] the safety [1:16:15] and security [1:16:15] of Americans [1:16:16] and their rights [1:16:17] will be pursued [1:16:19] in the pursuit [1:16:21] of the rule of law [1:16:21] and within the bounds [1:16:22] of the Constitution [1:16:23] of the United States [1:16:25] which is the framing [1:16:26] that I think [1:16:27] every American expects [1:16:29] that the Constitution [1:16:30] and rule of law [1:16:31] of the United States [1:16:32] be followed [1:16:33] and defended [1:16:34] Mr. Durbin [1:16:35] I'm sorry [1:16:37] Senator Durbin [1:16:38] Thank you [1:16:39] Mr. Chairman [1:16:40] Ms. Boss [1:16:41] it breaks my heart [1:16:42] to hear the story [1:16:43] of you and your [1:16:44] loss of your daughter [1:16:45] and I just want to say [1:16:49] my heart goes out [1:16:50] to you [1:16:50] and to your husband [1:16:52] carrying on for her [1:16:54] with your granddaughter [1:16:55] is the greatest tribute [1:16:58] you can give her [1:16:59] I'm sure [1:17:00] I'm sorry you went through [1:17:02] this terrible tragedy [1:17:03] I'm glad you're here today [1:17:05] to tell that story [1:17:06] Ms. Penske [1:17:08] it's hard to imagine [1:17:11] that this government [1:17:13] kept publishing [1:17:14] your personal information [1:17:16] did anyone notify them [1:17:18] of this breach [1:17:20] of privacy [1:17:21] yeah I mean [1:17:22] we notified them [1:17:23] immediately [1:17:23] back in the first [1:17:25] document release [1:17:26] and even before [1:17:27] the document release [1:17:27] happened after [1:17:28] the Epstein Files [1:17:29] Transparency Act [1:17:30] passed [1:17:31] like I said [1:17:32] in my testimony [1:17:33] my lawyer teamed up [1:17:34] with other lawyers [1:17:35] and gave 350 names [1:17:37] and basically [1:17:39] every batch [1:17:40] that came forward [1:17:41] all the way [1:17:43] through basically [1:17:44] I believe it was April [1:17:44] but in the January batch [1:17:46] I was exposed [1:17:48] so did this happen [1:17:50] to any of the others [1:17:52] who were present here [1:17:52] oh yes [1:17:53] I mean all [1:17:54] I think almost all [1:17:55] yeah [1:17:56] yes [1:17:56] there were hundreds [1:17:57] of victims [1:17:58] that were outed [1:17:59] and Jane Doe's [1:18:01] and you know [1:18:02] I do want to speak [1:18:03] to just the Jamages [1:18:04] for a moment [1:18:05] you know [1:18:06] we've been receiving threats [1:18:07] we've had loss of jobs [1:18:08] we've had loss of confidentiality [1:18:10] and privacy [1:18:10] but there's [1:18:12] there's another piece here [1:18:13] and it's that [1:18:14] this idea of withholding information [1:18:16] we're trying to get justice [1:18:18] we have always been trying [1:18:19] to seek justice [1:18:20] and we're seeing [1:18:21] if you just even look [1:18:22] at New Mexico right now [1:18:23] that the AG [1:18:26] the New Mexico AG [1:18:27] has attempted five times [1:18:29] to get the files [1:18:30] from Todd Blanch [1:18:33] and from this DOJ [1:18:34] and it's obstruction [1:18:36] they are obstructing [1:18:37] so for us [1:18:38] yes of course [1:18:39] there are so many damages [1:18:40] there are so many things [1:18:42] that we are mourning [1:18:43] the loss of [1:18:44] including a lot of our innocence [1:18:46] and who we were [1:18:47] as these young girls [1:18:48] but to still see it [1:18:51] be obstructed [1:18:52] after 30 years [1:18:53] and this is five administrations [1:18:55] we're not saying [1:18:56] that this is just [1:18:56] this administration [1:18:57] we've been at this fight [1:18:59] for 30 years [1:19:00] so we just really hope [1:19:03] that you know [1:19:04] there's a huge impact [1:19:05] as far as [1:19:06] just releasing information [1:19:08] and making sure [1:19:09] that it's followed up on [1:19:10] I can't understand [1:19:11] how this Attorney General [1:19:12] can find 48 hours [1:19:14] to visit with [1:19:15] Ghislaine Maxwell [1:19:16] who has been prosecuted [1:19:18] for sex trafficking [1:19:20] and can't find [1:19:22] 30 minutes [1:19:23] to meet with [1:19:24] the survivors [1:19:25] of that [1:19:26] sexual predatory [1:19:28] conduct [1:19:29] it's certainly not [1:19:30] for lack of trying [1:19:31] we have tried [1:19:32] in every way [1:19:33] we know how to try [1:19:34] and then we did hear [1:19:36] from him yesterday [1:19:36] that he would sit [1:19:37] with counsel [1:19:38] and I would [1:19:38] I would say [1:19:39] I think many of us [1:19:40] in this room [1:19:41] would be interested [1:19:42] in meeting with him [1:19:42] today if we could [1:19:43] many of the members [1:19:45] of the committee [1:19:46] will remember [1:19:46] when we had [1:19:47] the Olympic athletes [1:19:48] in here [1:19:49] who had been [1:19:50] sexually abused [1:19:51] and the head [1:19:53] of the FBI [1:19:54] the head of the FBI [1:19:56] sat through [1:19:56] their entire testimony [1:19:57] to show his concern [1:20:00] for what had happened [1:20:01] to them [1:20:01] and any wrongdoing [1:20:03] by the Federal Bureau [1:20:04] of Investigation [1:20:05] that to me [1:20:06] was the right thing [1:20:07] to do [1:20:07] from both sides [1:20:09] why in the world [1:20:10] would Mr. Blanche [1:20:12] at this point [1:20:13] say he doesn't have [1:20:14] the time [1:20:14] I couldn't understand [1:20:15] his argument yesterday [1:20:16] he couldn't see you [1:20:17] because you had a lawyer [1:20:18] or he couldn't see you [1:20:19] because you didn't have a lawyer [1:20:20] I think it was [1:20:21] because we had a lawyer [1:20:23] but you know [1:20:23] I think [1:20:24] as a career prosecutor [1:20:25] we talk so much [1:20:26] about Todd Blanche's [1:20:27] credentials in this room [1:20:28] and we've heard [1:20:28] a lot about them [1:20:29] and that's great [1:20:32] but I think [1:20:33] as a career prosecutor [1:20:34] he should be [1:20:35] salivating by this case [1:20:37] right [1:20:37] this case is [1:20:38] it's gold [1:20:40] for somebody [1:20:41] that wants to prosecute [1:20:42] there are six million files [1:20:43] there are thousands [1:20:44] of victims [1:20:44] and yet all we've seen [1:20:46] is one perpetrator [1:20:47] that died in prison [1:20:48] the other perpetrator [1:20:50] is now in a minimum [1:20:51] security penitentiary [1:20:52] and Todd Blanche [1:20:53] believes that there [1:20:54] are zero investigations [1:20:55] when he's already been told [1:20:56] by members of the house [1:20:57] that that is inaccurate [1:20:58] I'll just tell you [1:21:00] point blank [1:21:00] I don't think his name [1:21:01] should be called [1:21:02] on the floor [1:21:02] of the United States Senate [1:21:03] until he meets with you [1:21:04] it's not too much to ask [1:21:06] set aside two hours [1:21:08] four hours [1:21:09] whatever it takes [1:21:10] so that there is [1:21:11] clearly an effort [1:21:13] by this government [1:21:14] to get all the information [1:21:15] and make a judgment [1:21:17] as to what to do with it [1:21:18] but to shun you [1:21:20] and to snub you [1:21:21] at this point [1:21:22] there's something else [1:21:23] going on here [1:21:24] there's got to be [1:21:25] someone told me once [1:21:26] in politics [1:21:26] there's always a good reason [1:21:28] and then there's always [1:21:29] a real reason [1:21:29] what is the real reason [1:21:31] why Todd Blanche [1:21:33] does not want to meet [1:21:34] with the survivors [1:21:35] of Jeffrey Epstein [1:21:37] it appears from the outside [1:21:38] reputational harm [1:21:39] and that is what [1:21:40] I think is at the core [1:21:41] of this [1:21:41] that he prioritizes [1:21:44] the reputation [1:21:44] of the administration [1:21:46] over survivors [1:21:48] of sexual abuse [1:21:50] and of crime survivors [1:21:51] in this country [1:21:52] well I hope the message [1:21:53] goes out to all senators [1:21:55] on both sides of the table [1:21:56] and I do want to say [1:21:57] you know to that end [1:21:58] we are not [1:21:59] we've been saying [1:22:00] that we're not political [1:22:00] I don't [1:22:01] I've asked everyone [1:22:02] we've met with a lot [1:22:03] of your offices [1:22:03] on both sides [1:22:04] and every single conversation [1:22:05] Mr. Hawley [1:22:07] we had a great conversation [1:22:08] with your office [1:22:09] right [1:22:09] it was amazing [1:22:10] and I feel so much hope [1:22:11] leaving those spaces [1:22:12] actually [1:22:13] and when we had [1:22:15] those conversations [1:22:16] it just felt like [1:22:17] you see us as human beings [1:22:18] you don't see us [1:22:19] like we have survivors [1:22:21] on both sides of the aisle [1:22:22] we are not here [1:22:23] to be political [1:22:23] these are just our stories [1:22:24] like 17 year old me [1:22:25] I promise you [1:22:26] not political [1:22:26] but so when we have [1:22:29] these very real interactions [1:22:30] in your offices [1:22:31] we hope that you can [1:22:32] put politics aside [1:22:33] it was something [1:22:35] so beautiful [1:22:35] that we saw [1:22:36] during the Epstein Files [1:22:37] Transparency Act [1:22:38] there was a moment [1:22:38] where Marjorie Taylor Greene [1:22:39] went and sat [1:22:40] right next to Melanie Stansbury [1:22:42] and that is a moment [1:22:43] that will live in my memory [1:22:43] forever [1:22:44] because they crossed [1:22:46] party lines for something [1:22:46] that was really important [1:22:47] so I hope that you can [1:22:49] all do that [1:22:49] thank you Mr. Chairman [1:22:51] Senator Hawley [1:22:52] thank you Mr. Chairman [1:22:54] just on that note [1:22:55] Ms. Binsky [1:22:55] and for everybody [1:22:56] who's here [1:22:57] all of the victims [1:22:58] thank you for being here [1:22:58] thank you for [1:22:59] standing up [1:23:00] and telling your stories [1:23:01] Ms. Boss [1:23:01] thank you for being here [1:23:03] and for telling us [1:23:04] about your daughter [1:23:05] I'm sorry for what [1:23:06] all of you have been through [1:23:07] so I want to say thank you [1:23:08] and honor your voices [1:23:09] and honor what you're doing [1:23:10] Ms. Orier [1:23:11] if I could just turn to you [1:23:12] you were President Biden's [1:23:14] pardon attorney [1:23:14] is that correct [1:23:15] I was the Justice Department's [1:23:18] pardon attorney [1:23:18] you recommended [1:23:19] you made clemency recommendations [1:23:20] to the White House [1:23:21] whether or not to pardon inmates [1:23:22] is that correct [1:23:23] my job was to make [1:23:24] clemency recommendations [1:23:26] and in that in that capacity [1:23:27] you recommended [1:23:28] that the President [1:23:29] of the United States [1:23:30] Joe Biden [1:23:30] grant clemency [1:23:31] to all 40 [1:23:33] federal death row inmates [1:23:35] all of them [1:23:35] clear them out [1:23:36] correct [1:23:37] sir as I told [1:23:38] Chairman Grassley [1:23:39] I'm not free to discuss [1:23:41] the recommendations [1:23:42] well that's what your memo says [1:23:43] I mean we have your memo [1:23:44] your memo of November 4th [1:23:47] 2024 says [1:23:48] and I quote [1:23:49] disparity [1:23:50] and undue severity [1:23:51] of sentence [1:23:52] which are present [1:23:53] in many if not all [1:23:54] of these cases [1:23:55] have been recognized [1:23:56] as grounds for clemency [1:23:57] and you went on [1:23:58] to recommend [1:23:59] in that memo [1:24:00] and a series of other memos [1:24:01] that are now recorded [1:24:02] and public record [1:24:03] that the President [1:24:04] of the United States [1:24:05] grant clemency [1:24:06] to murderers [1:24:07] rapists [1:24:08] and the most horrible offenders [1:24:09] all of them [1:24:10] clear death row [1:24:10] completely out [1:24:11] I'm amazed [1:24:12] you've been called here today [1:24:13] I'm absolutely amazed by it [1:24:15] but let's just talk about [1:24:16] the people who you recommended [1:24:17] you talk about honoring victims [1:24:19] the people who you recommended [1:24:21] get clemency [1:24:22] and live at the expense [1:24:23] and sufferance of taxpayers [1:24:25] for the rest of their lives [1:24:26] let's start with Dylan Roof [1:24:27] Dylan was a neo-Nazi [1:24:30] who murdered [1:24:31] nine African American [1:24:33] worshipers [1:24:34] at a Bible study [1:24:35] in Charleston [1:24:37] South Carolina [1:24:37] 2015 [1:24:38] do you remember this case [1:24:39] I do remember it very well [1:24:40] I would hope you did [1:24:41] here's his victims [1:24:42] you want to look at them [1:24:43] there they are [1:24:44] nine of them [1:24:45] at a Bible study [1:24:47] in a church [1:24:48] killed in cold blood [1:24:50] the DOJ knew [1:24:52] from day one [1:24:53] that he had decided [1:24:54] I'm going to quote [1:24:55] from the prosecutors [1:24:56] decided to attack [1:24:57] African Americans [1:24:58] because of their race [1:24:59] he further decided [1:25:00] to attack [1:25:01] African American [1:25:02] worshipers [1:25:02] in a black church [1:25:04] in order to make [1:25:05] his attack [1:25:05] more notorious [1:25:07] more notorious [1:25:09] and yet you recommended [1:25:11] that he be granted clemency [1:25:12] live at the expense [1:25:14] of taxpayers [1:25:14] for the rest of his life [1:25:15] substitute your judgment [1:25:16] for that of the [1:25:17] American judicial system [1:25:18] do you stand by [1:25:19] that recommendation today [1:25:20] sir I'm not going [1:25:21] to comment on the [1:25:22] recommendations that I made [1:25:23] but I can tell you [1:25:24] that Mr. Roof [1:25:25] is going to die in prison [1:25:26] as [1:25:27] oh he's going to live [1:25:28] in prison for a very [1:25:29] long time because of you [1:25:30] because of your [1:25:31] recommendations [1:25:32] and here's what you said [1:25:33] in your memo [1:25:33] of October 30th [1:25:34] 2024 [1:25:35] you said that actually [1:25:36] Roof is not a compelling [1:25:37] candidate for clemency [1:25:38] but you recommended [1:25:39] it anyway [1:25:40] why [1:25:40] because he suffered [1:25:41] from anxiety [1:25:42] you said [1:25:43] right [1:25:44] he suffered [1:25:45] from anxiety [1:25:46] did it ever occur [1:25:48] to you that maybe [1:25:48] the family of his [1:25:50] victims might suffer [1:25:51] a little bit of anxiety [1:25:52] because he marched [1:25:53] into their church [1:25:54] and murdered them [1:25:55] in cold blood [1:25:56] because he was [1:25:57] an incredible racist [1:25:58] and he wanted to get [1:25:58] on TV [1:25:59] sir [1:26:01] do you regret it [1:26:02] I'm not going to [1:26:03] comment on the [1:26:03] recommendations [1:26:03] do you regret it [1:26:04] let's talk about [1:26:06] Robert Bowers [1:26:06] a man who regularly [1:26:08] spewed such vile [1:26:09] hatred of Jews [1:26:10] it's unlike anything [1:26:11] I've ever seen [1:26:12] he barged into a [1:26:13] Pittsburgh synagogue [1:26:14] in 2018 [1:26:14] and he shot [1:26:15] everybody he could [1:26:17] find [1:26:17] killing 11 [1:26:19] innocent people [1:26:20] who were there [1:26:21] to worship [1:26:22] a federal jury [1:26:23] in Pittsburgh [1:26:24] unanimously [1:26:25] recommended the [1:26:25] death sentence [1:26:26] after finding him [1:26:27] guilty on 63 [1:26:28] counts [1:26:29] here they are [1:26:31] they're his victims [1:26:32] take a good look [1:26:34] you recommended [1:26:36] clemency [1:26:37] for this person [1:26:38] who went in [1:26:40] and killed [1:26:40] these people [1:26:41] just because [1:26:41] they're Jews [1:26:42] he killed [1:26:43] the other guy [1:26:44] killed people [1:26:45] just because [1:26:45] they're black [1:26:46] this guy killed [1:26:47] people just because [1:26:47] they're Jews [1:26:48] a jury recommended [1:26:49] that he be [1:26:50] sentenced to death [1:26:51] and you substituted [1:26:52] your judgment [1:26:52] for theirs [1:26:53] and now [1:26:53] he's going to live [1:26:54] are you proud [1:26:55] of that [1:26:56] sir [1:26:57] what I [1:26:58] am proud of [1:26:59] is the fact [1:27:00] that I took [1:27:01] my job [1:27:01] as pardon attorney [1:27:02] extremely seriously [1:27:04] apparently not [1:27:04] seriously enough [1:27:05] you certainly [1:27:06] didn't take [1:27:06] the victims [1:27:07] seriously [1:27:07] then there's [1:27:08] Jorge Avila Torres [1:27:09] who wasn't just [1:27:10] a murderer [1:27:11] he was a [1:27:12] serial killer [1:27:13] and a rapist [1:27:14] here is who [1:27:15] he assaulted [1:27:17] and killed [1:27:17] he sexually [1:27:19] assaulted [1:27:19] and killed [1:27:20] eight year old [1:27:20] Laura Hobbs [1:27:21] and nine year old [1:27:23] Crystal Tobias [1:27:24] in a Chicago [1:27:26] suburb [1:27:26] in 2005 [1:27:27] and then [1:27:29] four years [1:27:29] after that [1:27:30] he committed [1:27:31] another murder [1:27:32] he slaughtered [1:27:33] a fellow [1:27:33] service member [1:27:34] Navy Petty Officer [1:27:35] Amanda Snell [1:27:36] in 2009 [1:27:37] while she was [1:27:38] in her barracks [1:27:38] that's what [1:27:40] he did [1:27:40] and you [1:27:41] recommended [1:27:42] clemency [1:27:43] for this [1:27:43] individual [1:27:44] and now [1:27:44] he'll live [1:27:45] his life [1:27:46] at the expense [1:27:47] of taxpayers [1:27:48] because you [1:27:49] substituted [1:27:50] your judgment [1:27:51] for that [1:27:52] of the American [1:27:53] judicial system [1:27:54] jury judges [1:27:55] the whole [1:27:55] lot [1:27:56] and yet [1:27:56] you're here [1:27:57] to tell us [1:27:57] that you're [1:27:58] somehow [1:27:58] a victim [1:27:58] I don't [1:27:59] think so [1:28:00] Ms. [1:28:00] Oyer [1:28:01] I think [1:28:01] your judgment [1:28:02] is astoundingly [1:28:03] terrible [1:28:04] I'm amazed [1:28:05] that this side [1:28:06] of the aisle [1:28:06] has called you [1:28:07] and I just [1:28:07] ask my friends [1:28:08] on this side [1:28:08] of the aisle [1:28:09] do you agree [1:28:10] with this [1:28:10] is this what [1:28:12] you want [1:28:12] do you want [1:28:13] these people [1:28:14] to be pardoned [1:28:15] and live [1:28:16] at the expense [1:28:16] of taxpayers [1:28:17] for their whole lives [1:28:18] do you want to [1:28:19] excuse the murders [1:28:20] of African American [1:28:21] churchgoers [1:28:22] do you want to [1:28:22] excuse the murders [1:28:24] of Jews [1:28:25] in their synagogues [1:28:26] do you want to [1:28:26] excuse the murders [1:28:27] of these children [1:28:28] because that's what [1:28:29] she did [1:28:29] and now she's [1:28:30] online hawking [1:28:32] products to try [1:28:32] to make money [1:28:33] off of it [1:28:33] I see you've got [1:28:34] your own website [1:28:35] where you put [1:28:35] your face [1:28:36] on baseball [1:28:38] caps and mugs [1:28:39] thelawyeroyer.com [1:28:41] you're trying [1:28:41] to make money [1:28:42] on this [1:28:42] this is unbelievable [1:28:45] Ms. [1:28:45] Oyer [1:28:45] and yet you say [1:28:47] you're a victim [1:28:47] these are the victims [1:28:49] and you helped [1:28:51] victimize them [1:28:52] and what you're [1:28:53] doing is wrong [1:28:54] I hope every member [1:28:55] on this side [1:28:55] of the aisle [1:28:55] will repudiate [1:28:56] what you have done [1:28:58] and what you stand [1:28:58] for [1:28:59] thank you Mr. [1:28:59] Chairman [1:29:00] sir I assume [1:29:01] that your questions [1:29:01] directed at me [1:29:02] were rhetorical [1:29:03] and that you're [1:29:04] giving [1:29:04] they're not rhetorical [1:29:05] at all I asked [1:29:06] you to respond [1:29:07] and you said [1:29:07] you wouldn't [1:29:08] so what I did [1:29:08] is I read to you [1:29:09] what you have said [1:29:11] I quoted verbatim [1:29:12] and I'm happy [1:29:13] to keep doing it [1:29:14] in fact I'd ask [1:29:15] now Mr. Chairman [1:29:15] that this report [1:29:17] restoring and strengthening [1:29:18] the federal death penalty [1:29:18] report be entered [1:29:19] into the record [1:29:20] it contains information [1:29:21] regarding Ms. [1:29:22] Oyer [1:29:22] her recommendations [1:29:23] and the track record [1:29:25] of all of it [1:29:26] the written records [1:29:26] are here [1:29:27] I ask to be [1:29:27] entered into the record [1:29:28] it'll be [1:29:29] Ms. Oyer [1:29:31] take a minute [1:29:33] to respond [1:29:35] if you want to [1:29:36] thank you [1:29:38] Chairman Grassley [1:29:39] I under [1:29:41] President Biden [1:29:42] just like under [1:29:43] President Trump [1:29:43] had a job to do [1:29:44] which was to make [1:29:45] recommendations [1:29:46] to the president [1:29:47] about how to best [1:29:48] accomplish their [1:29:48] clemency objectives [1:29:49] I put the [1:29:51] utmost effort [1:29:52] into doing that [1:29:53] in a way that was [1:29:54] consistent with the [1:29:55] interests of the [1:29:56] justice system [1:29:56] and all of its [1:29:57] stakeholders [1:29:58] which includes [1:29:59] crime victims [1:30:00] as well as [1:30:01] defendants [1:30:02] as well as [1:30:02] family members [1:30:03] as well as [1:30:04] judges [1:30:04] as well as [1:30:06] prosecutors [1:30:07] all criminal [1:30:08] justice system [1:30:09] stakeholders [1:30:09] the process [1:30:10] that I presided [1:30:11] over was [1:30:12] one that was [1:30:13] beyond reproach [1:30:14] what's happening [1:30:15] now with clemency [1:30:16] is an absolute [1:30:17] disgrace [1:30:18] and I'm sorry [1:30:19] that I can't [1:30:20] answer the questions [1:30:20] about the specific [1:30:21] recommendations [1:30:22] in this public [1:30:23] setting [1:30:23] but I would be [1:30:23] glad to meet [1:30:24] with any members [1:30:25] of this committee [1:30:26] who have concerns [1:30:27] privately [1:30:28] to discuss [1:30:29] to the extent [1:30:29] I can [1:30:30] what your [1:30:30] concerns are [1:30:31] to meet [1:30:31] with the [1:30:31] victims [1:30:31] families [1:30:32] here's the [1:30:33] disgrace [1:30:33] Senator Whitehouse [1:30:34] thank you [1:30:39] chairman [1:30:39] Mr. Ashcroft [1:30:42] welcome back [1:30:43] to the [1:30:44] senate [1:30:44] you knew [1:30:47] Jim Comey [1:30:49] pardon me [1:30:52] yes indeed [1:30:53] I did [1:30:53] you trusted him [1:30:54] he was [1:30:56] the deputy [1:30:57] attorney general [1:30:58] as well as [1:30:58] the U.S. [1:30:59] attorney for [1:31:00] the southern [1:31:00] district of [1:31:01] New York [1:31:01] you trusted him [1:31:03] with the top [1:31:03] job [1:31:04] in your [1:31:05] department [1:31:05] I asked him [1:31:05] to help [1:31:06] administer justice [1:31:07] at the [1:31:07] department of [1:31:08] justice [1:31:08] you respected [1:31:09] him [1:31:09] yes I did [1:31:11] do you have [1:31:14] can you vouch [1:31:15] for this [1:31:17] department's [1:31:17] prosecution [1:31:18] of him [1:31:19] for lying [1:31:20] to congress [1:31:21] or for [1:31:22] the process [1:31:24] that was [1:31:26] performed [1:31:27] I'm not in [1:31:28] a position [1:31:28] I don't know [1:31:30] all the facts [1:31:31] I'm not in [1:31:32] a position [1:31:32] to comment [1:31:33] on pending [1:31:34] investigations [1:31:35] or prosecutions [1:31:36] can you vouch [1:31:38] for this [1:31:40] department's [1:31:40] prosecution [1:31:41] of him [1:31:42] for [1:31:42] posting a [1:31:43] picture [1:31:44] of the [1:31:46] numbers [1:31:46] 8647 [1:31:47] or the [1:31:49] process [1:31:49] that led [1:31:50] to that [1:31:51] my response [1:31:52] would certainly [1:31:52] have to be [1:31:53] the same [1:31:53] as it is [1:31:54] for any [1:31:54] prosecution [1:31:55] I'm not a [1:31:56] part of the [1:31:57] department [1:31:57] now I'm not [1:31:58] fully informed [1:31:59] of its [1:31:59] factual basis [1:32:00] or for the [1:32:01] considerations [1:32:02] it's made [1:32:03] in bringing [1:32:04] prosecutions [1:32:06] what are [1:32:08] your views [1:32:09] today [1:32:09] of Mr. [1:32:11] Comey's [1:32:11] character [1:32:12] and merits [1:32:13] I'm not [1:32:18] I'm not [1:32:20] going to [1:32:20] start to [1:32:21] discuss the [1:32:22] character and [1:32:23] merits of [1:32:23] individuals [1:32:24] especially those [1:32:25] who are [1:32:26] standing [1:32:26] in a position [1:32:28] of responding [1:32:29] to charges [1:32:30] from the [1:32:30] justice department [1:32:31] I can respond [1:32:33] to what I [1:32:34] believed [1:32:34] during the [1:32:35] time I served [1:32:36] as attorney [1:32:37] general [1:32:37] and when he [1:32:37] served with [1:32:38] me and his [1:32:39] service to me [1:32:41] and I believe [1:32:41] to the United [1:32:42] States at that [1:32:42] time was [1:32:43] commendable [1:32:43] and honorable [1:32:44] what is OPR [1:32:47] in the department [1:32:50] of justice [1:32:51] I believe it's [1:32:52] office of [1:32:53] professional [1:32:54] responsibility [1:32:54] and what is [1:32:55] its role [1:32:56] its role is [1:32:59] to encourage [1:33:00] individuals in [1:33:02] the department [1:33:02] to act [1:33:03] in compliance [1:33:05] with and [1:33:06] in conformity [1:33:09] with the rules [1:33:10] of ethics [1:33:11] and responsibility [1:33:12] and did you [1:33:13] respect the role [1:33:14] of the office [1:33:14] of professional [1:33:15] responsibility [1:33:15] when you were [1:33:16] attorney general [1:33:16] I certainly [1:33:19] did I [1:33:19] I hope that [1:33:20] they would [1:33:21] advise me [1:33:22] properly to [1:33:22] keep me out [1:33:23] of trouble [1:33:23] if the [1:33:25] office of [1:33:27] professional [1:33:28] responsibility [1:33:28] were functionally [1:33:30] disabled by [1:33:32] an administration [1:33:34] in the department [1:33:35] of justice [1:33:35] what message [1:33:37] would that send [1:33:37] to the line [1:33:38] prosecutors [1:33:39] I'm not in [1:33:42] a position to [1:33:43] comment on [1:33:43] a hypothetical [1:33:45] of disabling [1:33:46] and when you [1:33:48] say functionally [1:33:48] disabled I think [1:33:49] that requires [1:33:51] an assumption [1:33:53] of what does [1:33:56] functionally [1:33:57] disabled mean [1:33:58] I personally [1:34:00] it's a hypothetical [1:34:03] to which I just [1:34:04] am unable to [1:34:05] respond [1:34:05] but you do agree [1:34:06] that OPR [1:34:06] does an important [1:34:08] job and has [1:34:08] an important role [1:34:10] and is important [1:34:11] to the department [1:34:11] of justice [1:34:12] in the performance [1:34:13] of its duties [1:34:13] I certainly [1:34:15] respected the [1:34:17] department's [1:34:18] operation [1:34:19] including OPR [1:34:20] at the time [1:34:21] of my opportunity [1:34:22] to serve as [1:34:23] attorney general [1:34:23] of the United States [1:34:24] while you were [1:34:26] attorney general [1:34:28] were there [1:34:29] procedures [1:34:30] that took place [1:34:31] when [1:34:32] judicial findings [1:34:34] of prosecutorial [1:34:36] misconduct [1:34:37] or dishonesty [1:34:40] occurred [1:34:41] I don't [1:34:44] I have to say [1:34:44] I don't remember [1:34:45] charges of [1:34:47] prosecutorial [1:34:48] misconduct [1:34:49] that I dealt [1:34:51] with [1:34:51] yeah they were [1:34:52] pretty scarce [1:34:52] until now [1:34:54] it was pretty [1:34:55] unusual to have [1:34:56] judges say that [1:34:58] arguments were [1:34:59] made in bad [1:34:59] faith [1:35:00] that arguments [1:35:02] were made [1:35:02] as pretexts [1:35:04] that arguments [1:35:05] were disingenuous [1:35:06] that arguments [1:35:07] were shoddy [1:35:08] or terrible [1:35:10] that the department [1:35:11] was losing [1:35:12] or sacrificing [1:35:13] its credibility [1:35:14] that the department [1:35:15] was disrespecting [1:35:17] orders of the court [1:35:18] that the department [1:35:19] had lied [1:35:19] or was engaged [1:35:21] in sham [1:35:22] that there was [1:35:24] willful and [1:35:24] intentional non-compliance [1:35:26] or willful disregard [1:35:27] of court orders [1:35:28] that department [1:35:29] lawyers were [1:35:29] contemptuous [1:35:30] or that their [1:35:31] behavior and [1:35:32] arguments were [1:35:32] unconscionable [1:35:33] to me those are [1:35:35] red flag words [1:35:36] I was a United States [1:35:37] attorney and if [1:35:38] my federal court [1:35:39] had used those words [1:35:41] about my line [1:35:42] attorneys [1:35:42] there would have [1:35:44] been some [1:35:45] follow-up [1:35:46] and I expect [1:35:47] that in your [1:35:48] department [1:35:49] if those kind [1:35:50] of words were used [1:35:51] there'd at least [1:35:51] be some [1:35:52] preliminary follow-up [1:35:54] and if it were [1:35:54] serious [1:35:55] there might actually [1:35:57] be a review [1:35:57] by the Office [1:35:58] of Professional [1:35:59] Responsibility [1:36:00] does that sound [1:36:01] like what likely [1:36:01] would have happened [1:36:02] during your day [1:36:03] I was only [1:36:06] admonished at one [1:36:07] time that I remember [1:36:08] by a court [1:36:09] for having [1:36:09] commented on [1:36:11] evidence [1:36:11] I thought it was [1:36:12] pretty good evidence [1:36:13] I think I just said [1:36:14] pretty good evidence [1:36:15] yeah I didn't mean you [1:36:16] I meant your line [1:36:17] prosecutor [1:36:18] at that time I [1:36:18] decided that I [1:36:21] needed to be more [1:36:22] careful about my [1:36:23] remarks [1:36:23] my remarks [1:36:25] were safeguarded [1:36:28] and carefully made [1:36:29] and frankly I might add [1:36:32] more carefully made [1:36:32] than the remarks of [1:36:33] some of the judicial [1:36:34] officers who have [1:36:35] been [1:36:35] who while very [1:36:38] concerned about the [1:36:39] Justice Department [1:36:40] seem to be [1:36:41] willing to [1:36:43] themselves engage [1:36:44] in political [1:36:45] considerations [1:36:46] which I didn't [1:36:46] think were [1:36:48] appropriate for the [1:36:48] judiciary [1:36:49] so maybe there's [1:36:50] a problem that's [1:36:51] broader than [1:36:51] than we would [1:36:54] otherwise recognize [1:36:55] well you've changed [1:36:56] the topic a little bit [1:36:57] to your own [1:36:58] comments [1:36:59] and the response [1:37:00] to that [1:37:00] which is fine [1:37:01] I appreciate that [1:37:02] you've said that [1:37:03] but my question [1:37:04] had to do with [1:37:04] when criticisms [1:37:07] like that are [1:37:08] leveled against [1:37:08] department lawyers [1:37:09] there is ordinarily [1:37:11] some kind of a [1:37:12] process or review [1:37:13] that takes place [1:37:15] they're not just [1:37:15] brushed off [1:37:16] that is correct [1:37:17] is it not [1:37:18] it's certainly [1:37:20] the reason that [1:37:22] the office of [1:37:22] professional [1:37:23] responsibility exists [1:37:24] to safeguard [1:37:25] against things [1:37:26] that are not [1:37:27] responsibly done [1:37:28] or undertaken [1:37:30] in a way that [1:37:31] discredits the [1:37:32] department [1:37:32] public confidence [1:37:34] in the department [1:37:34] is very important [1:37:35] indeed [1:37:37] and the rule of [1:37:38] law guided by [1:37:41] the constitution [1:37:41] is at the [1:37:43] foundation of our [1:37:44] safeguarding liberties [1:37:45] and I take that [1:37:46] seriously [1:37:46] I believe that [1:37:47] with all my heart [1:37:48] when I served [1:37:49] and I believe it [1:37:50] today [1:37:50] thank you sir [1:37:51] senator Schmidt [1:37:52] thank you mr. chairman [1:37:54] first and most [1:37:55] importantly [1:37:55] I want to thank [1:37:57] all the victims [1:37:57] who are here [1:37:58] for your courage [1:37:59] to come forward [1:38:00] this is not easy [1:38:01] to do [1:38:01] to relive everything [1:38:03] so thank you [1:38:04] for being here [1:38:05] and telling your [1:38:05] stories [1:38:06] ms.oyer I want [1:38:07] to turn to you [1:38:08] you were [1:38:08] Biden's part of [1:38:09] an attorney [1:38:10] and I want to [1:38:11] make sure [1:38:11] I'm clear [1:38:12] your testimony [1:38:13] here today [1:38:13] is that you [1:38:15] were fired [1:38:16] because you [1:38:16] wouldn't recommend [1:38:17] restoring Mel Gibson's [1:38:18] gun rights [1:38:19] is that right [1:38:19] I was fired [1:38:21] just hours [1:38:22] after I declined [1:38:23] to make that [1:38:24] okay [1:38:24] you can't think [1:38:25] of another reason [1:38:25] why you might [1:38:26] have been fired [1:38:26] that's the only [1:38:27] explanation [1:38:28] that I am aware [1:38:29] of the justice [1:38:30] department actually [1:38:31] put in a pleading [1:38:32] that was submitted [1:38:33] in my appeal [1:38:34] of my firing [1:38:35] the fact that [1:38:36] the facts of my [1:38:36] firing [1:38:37] on November [1:38:38] and you talked [1:38:39] about [1:38:39] you're concerned [1:38:41] about public safety [1:38:42] on November 4th [1:38:43] 2024 [1:38:43] you authored [1:38:44] a 73 page [1:38:46] memorandum [1:38:46] recommending the [1:38:48] commutation of all [1:38:49] 40 federal death [1:38:50] sentences [1:38:50] isn't that correct [1:38:51] well as I've told [1:38:52] to [1:38:53] yeah I know [1:38:54] I know [1:38:54] but don't play [1:38:55] the game with me [1:38:56] because it's not [1:38:57] they've waived [1:38:58] executive privilege [1:38:59] I have the report [1:39:00] right here [1:39:01] it's dated [1:39:01] April 24th [1:39:03] 2026 [1:39:04] it's actually [1:39:05] your memo [1:39:06] is quoted in here [1:39:07] it's public [1:39:08] knowledge [1:39:09] and the idea [1:39:10] that you would [1:39:10] come here [1:39:11] you know that [1:39:12] already [1:39:12] you would [1:39:13] come here [1:39:13] and disparage [1:39:14] somebody else [1:39:15] and not be [1:39:16] willing to [1:39:16] answer questions [1:39:17] about how you [1:39:18] commuted the [1:39:18] sentences of [1:39:19] murderers [1:39:20] is ridiculous [1:39:21] I can't believe [1:39:22] you're here to [1:39:22] do that [1:39:22] I don't have [1:39:23] the authority [1:39:23] to commute [1:39:24] do you deny [1:39:24] it [1:39:25] do you deny [1:39:26] that you [1:39:26] authored the [1:39:26] memo [1:39:27] I'm not sure [1:39:28] which memo [1:39:29] you're referring [1:39:29] to [1:39:29] I'm referring [1:39:30] to the [1:39:30] November 4th [1:39:31] 2024 [1:39:32] 73 page [1:39:33] memo [1:39:34] do you deny [1:39:36] authoring it [1:39:36] I can't say [1:39:37] without [1:39:37] it's ridiculous [1:39:38] I honestly [1:39:39] I can't believe [1:39:40] you did [1:39:40] you did [1:39:41] and everybody [1:39:41] in America [1:39:43] and in the world [1:39:43] can pull it up [1:39:44] so it's a ridiculous [1:39:45] do you also [1:39:47] that looks like a document [1:39:47] that has DOJ's logo [1:39:49] on the cover [1:39:49] yeah and it quotes [1:39:50] your letter [1:39:50] it quotes your letter [1:39:52] I don't know [1:39:53] what letter [1:39:53] you're losing credit [1:39:54] you should just admit it [1:39:55] you should just admit [1:39:56] you authored it [1:39:57] everybody knows [1:39:57] you authored it [1:39:58] so I'm not going to [1:39:58] waste any more time [1:39:59] on your [1:40:00] convenient little [1:40:01] game you're playing here [1:40:02] you also authored [1:40:04] and recommended [1:40:05] the commutation [1:40:06] of the Boston [1:40:07] Marathon bomber [1:40:07] the Tree of Life [1:40:08] Synagogue murderer [1:40:09] and Dylan Roof [1:40:10] we all know this [1:40:11] how many pages [1:40:13] of the 73 pages [1:40:15] did you dedicate [1:40:15] to victims [1:40:16] because you expressed [1:40:17] your concern over victims [1:40:18] how many pages [1:40:18] were dedicated [1:40:19] to the victims [1:40:20] sir I don't have [1:40:22] the memo [1:40:22] I can tell you [1:40:23] three [1:40:23] three pages [1:40:25] three pages [1:40:26] were dedicated [1:40:27] to the victims [1:40:27] so I also [1:40:31] happen to have [1:40:31] I made a special [1:40:32] access request [1:40:33] last year [1:40:34] under the [1:40:35] Presidential Records [1:40:36] Act for documents [1:40:37] from the Biden [1:40:37] White House [1:40:38] on the abuse [1:40:39] of pardons [1:40:39] and commutations [1:40:40] we recently got [1:40:41] those documents [1:40:42] I want to show you [1:40:42] a couple [1:40:43] here's one [1:40:43] it's dated [1:40:45] December 3rd [1:40:46] 2024 [1:40:46] and it's an [1:40:47] internal memo [1:40:48] on the commutation [1:40:49] of the 37 [1:40:50] death sentences [1:40:51] that you were [1:40:52] involved with [1:40:52] the memorandum [1:40:53] states that the [1:40:54] White House [1:40:54] worked with [1:40:55] reporters to [1:40:55] quote [1:40:56] ensure positive [1:40:57] coverage [1:40:58] it says [1:40:58] the White House [1:40:59] gave advocates [1:41:00] the elected officials [1:41:01] resources [1:41:02] and key messaging [1:41:03] to amplify [1:41:03] the news [1:41:04] you personally [1:41:05] recommended [1:41:06] commuting [1:41:06] commuting [1:41:07] all 40 [1:41:08] death sentence [1:41:09] cases [1:41:10] and even [1:41:11] broader [1:41:11] action [1:41:12] than Biden [1:41:12] took [1:41:13] again [1:41:14] that included [1:41:14] Dylann Roof [1:41:15] the Boston [1:41:16] Marathon bomber [1:41:17] the Tree of Life [1:41:17] synagogue shooter [1:41:18] did you know [1:41:19] that the White House [1:41:20] was using your [1:41:20] recommendations [1:41:21] as a PR stunt [1:41:22] Sir [1:41:23] I have no idea [1:41:25] what document [1:41:25] you're referring [1:41:26] to currently [1:41:26] well let me just [1:41:27] ask you in general [1:41:28] did you know [1:41:28] that they were [1:41:29] planning to [1:41:30] message around [1:41:31] your commutation [1:41:32] Sir I was not [1:41:33] an employee [1:41:33] of the White House [1:41:34] I'll take that [1:41:35] as a no [1:41:35] I'll take that [1:41:36] as a no [1:41:37] but they use [1:41:37] your ridiculous [1:41:38] recommendation [1:41:40] as a veneer [1:41:41] of legitimacy [1:41:42] document 2 [1:41:43] I was called [1:41:44] here to talk [1:41:45] about Mr. Blanche's [1:41:46] nomination [1:41:46] yeah I know [1:41:47] that's what you [1:41:47] thought you [1:41:48] came here [1:41:48] to talk about [1:41:49] but the reality [1:41:50] is your [1:41:50] credibility [1:41:51] is gone [1:41:52] you can't [1:41:53] come here [1:41:53] and do [1:41:55] the political [1:41:56] bidding of [1:41:56] the Biden [1:41:57] administration [1:41:57] and then [1:41:59] when you're [1:41:59] called out [1:42:00] on that [1:42:00] and being [1:42:01] fired [1:42:01] and thank [1:42:02] God [1:42:02] you're being [1:42:02] fired [1:42:03] you know [1:42:03] what I [1:42:03] really think [1:42:03] I think [1:42:04] you thought [1:42:05] you came [1:42:06] here [1:42:06] and you're [1:42:07] selling merch [1:42:07] by the way [1:42:08] do we have [1:42:08] the hoodies [1:42:09] that are up [1:42:09] for sale [1:42:10] you sell [1:42:11] merch [1:42:11] let's show [1:42:12] the hoodies [1:42:12] I think [1:42:13] you came [1:42:13] here thinking [1:42:14] that you [1:42:15] were going [1:42:15] to be [1:42:15] ordained [1:42:17] the high [1:42:17] priestess [1:42:18] of the [1:42:19] resistance [1:42:20] that's what [1:42:20] I think [1:42:21] that's why [1:42:21] you're denying [1:42:22] simple facts [1:42:23] that you [1:42:23] authored [1:42:24] the memo [1:42:24] commuting [1:42:25] the sentences [1:42:26] everyone knows [1:42:27] that [1:42:27] and we have [1:42:29] documents now [1:42:29] from the [1:42:30] White House [1:42:30] that they [1:42:31] use that [1:42:32] memo [1:42:32] as a PR [1:42:33] stunt [1:42:34] and so [1:42:35] the idea [1:42:36] you have [1:42:36] no credibility [1:42:37] to talk [1:42:37] about Todd [1:42:37] Blanche [1:42:38] you have [1:42:38] none [1:42:39] you've come [1:42:39] here [1:42:40] you deny [1:42:40] basic facts [1:42:41] you recommended [1:42:42] the commutation [1:42:43] of murderers [1:42:45] you gave [1:42:45] no quarter [1:42:46] at all [1:42:47] or any time [1:42:48] to the victims [1:42:49] of these brutal [1:42:51] murders [1:42:51] so again [1:42:53] I can't believe [1:42:54] you've been called [1:42:54] here by the other [1:42:55] side [1:42:56] but I'm glad [1:42:57] we've had an [1:42:57] opportunity to expose [1:42:58] your hypocrisy [1:42:59] thank you Mr. Chairman [1:43:00] Senator Rano [1:43:01] thank you Mr. Chairman [1:43:04] I thank all the [1:43:06] witnesses for being [1:43:07] here [1:43:08] as a continuation [1:43:11] of the confirmation [1:43:13] process for Mr. Blanche [1:43:15] we are here [1:43:17] to determine [1:43:18] whether or not [1:43:19] Mr. Blanche [1:43:20] who continues [1:43:21] to be President [1:43:22] Trump's lawyer [1:43:24] and all that [1:43:25] that implies [1:43:26] should be [1:43:28] the Attorney General [1:43:29] of the United States [1:43:30] of America [1:43:30] who is supposed [1:43:31] to be defending [1:43:32] the Constitution [1:43:34] not the President [1:43:35] Ms. Besky [1:43:37] thank you so much [1:43:38] for being here [1:43:39] and for all [1:43:40] of the other [1:43:40] Epstein victims [1:43:42] Mr. Blanche [1:43:44] was asked [1:43:45] whether he would [1:43:47] meet with you [1:43:49] and because [1:43:50] we knew [1:43:51] that he had [1:43:52] refused [1:43:52] basically to meet [1:43:53] with the victims [1:43:54] of the Epstein crimes [1:43:56] and he offered [1:43:57] apparently yesterday [1:43:58] and he made [1:43:59] some excuses [1:43:59] about it not [1:44:01] being appropriate [1:44:02] for him to meet [1:44:04] with the victims [1:44:04] directly [1:44:05] why I do not know [1:44:07] but he offered [1:44:09] up a staff person [1:44:10] and I understand [1:44:11] that a staff person [1:44:12] from his office [1:44:14] contacted you [1:44:16] you and others [1:44:17] and offered [1:44:18] to meet [1:44:19] with your counsel [1:44:21] is that correct [1:44:22] not with you [1:44:23] directly [1:44:24] I am not aware [1:44:25] of a staffer [1:44:25] reaching out [1:44:26] we I don't [1:44:27] I can ask [1:44:29] but we have not [1:44:31] heard from a staffer [1:44:31] no we have not [1:44:32] heard from a staffer [1:44:33] in the last [1:44:33] okay let's get [1:44:35] that clarified [1:44:36] I did I [1:44:37] misunderstand [1:44:38] that in fact [1:44:39] yesterday [1:44:40] when he said [1:44:41] I have a staff person [1:44:43] here and we can [1:44:44] get this done [1:44:45] today [1:44:45] yeah [1:44:46] that they did [1:44:47] they have not [1:44:48] contacted you [1:44:48] they have not [1:44:49] contacted us [1:44:49] he also said [1:44:51] that it would not [1:44:52] be appropriate [1:44:52] for him to meet [1:44:53] directly with you [1:44:54] so not only [1:44:56] is his staff [1:44:57] not have they [1:44:58] not contacted [1:44:59] you as he indicated [1:45:01] yesterday [1:45:02] that this could [1:45:04] all happen [1:45:05] yesterday [1:45:06] he continues to [1:45:07] make excuses [1:45:08] as far as I can tell [1:45:09] for not meeting [1:45:10] with you [1:45:10] in spite of the fact [1:45:11] that he met [1:45:12] for hours [1:45:13] with Ms. Maxwell [1:45:15] why is it so [1:45:17] important [1:45:17] can you tell us [1:45:19] once again [1:45:19] why is it so [1:45:20] important [1:45:21] for you [1:45:22] to you and [1:45:24] the other victims [1:45:25] of abstinence crimes [1:45:25] to meet [1:45:26] with Mr. Blanche [1:45:29] thank you for the [1:45:31] question [1:45:31] I think that [1:45:32] if a victim [1:45:34] comes and reports [1:45:36] a crime [1:45:36] in the FBI [1:45:37] what is the first [1:45:39] thing that they do [1:45:39] they follow up [1:45:40] like Law and Order [1:45:41] SVU taught me that [1:45:42] when I was 15 years [1:45:43] old [1:45:43] the DOJ has never [1:45:46] followed up in 30 [1:45:47] years with any of us [1:45:48] there is a lot [1:45:49] in the files [1:45:50] right now [1:45:51] that you should be [1:45:52] investigating [1:45:52] and looking into [1:45:53] and to my knowledge [1:45:57] I mean [1:45:59] they can answer [1:46:00] this too [1:46:01] but we have never [1:46:02] been approached [1:46:03] by anybody [1:46:04] on the prosecutorial [1:46:05] side of things [1:46:07] so I do think [1:46:08] like sitting down [1:46:10] telling our stories [1:46:11] and explaining [1:46:12] like the people [1:46:13] that were in the room [1:46:14] right [1:46:14] we were witnesses [1:46:15] of crimes [1:46:16] we had crimes [1:46:17] committed to us [1:46:18] directly [1:46:18] we do have [1:46:19] a lot of information [1:46:20] and you would think [1:46:22] that somebody [1:46:24] would take that lead [1:46:25] that's already in [1:46:26] like we already [1:46:27] went to the FBI [1:46:28] because [1:46:28] we wouldn't have [1:46:29] 302s [1:46:30] if we hadn't have [1:46:30] gone to the FBI [1:46:31] it's already there [1:46:32] right [1:46:32] so the following up [1:46:35] of those 302s [1:46:37] and then once [1:46:38] it's supposed to be [1:46:39] handled by the [1:46:40] Department of Justice [1:46:41] why aren't we hearing [1:46:43] from prosecutors [1:46:43] this case was never [1:46:45] handled correctly [1:46:46] from the beginning [1:46:47] and he also made [1:46:49] some excuses [1:46:50] as to why [1:46:51] personal information [1:46:52] was not [1:46:54] redacted [1:46:56] and exposing [1:46:57] many of you [1:46:59] including you [1:47:00] and I [1:47:00] yeah [1:47:00] I think something [1:47:01] that stood out yesterday [1:47:02] was that he had said [1:47:03] that immediately [1:47:04] when things were [1:47:05] misredacted [1:47:07] that they were taken down [1:47:08] and they fixed them [1:47:09] and within 24 hours [1:47:10] they were put back up [1:47:11] that is entirely not true [1:47:12] there are still things [1:47:14] that need to be redacted [1:47:15] and there's still survivor [1:47:16] information in there [1:47:17] even today [1:47:18] from my awareness [1:47:19] that I mean [1:47:21] my information [1:47:21] just came down [1:47:22] in April [1:47:23] and that was after [1:47:24] begging [1:47:24] would you say [1:47:26] that Mr. Blanche [1:47:26] exhibits a rather [1:47:28] dismissive attitude [1:47:29] toward all of you [1:47:31] and the Epstein crimes [1:47:33] 1,000% [1:47:34] yes [1:47:35] thank you [1:47:36] Ms. Oyer [1:47:37] Trump's DOJ [1:47:40] under Todd Blanche [1:47:41] leadership [1:47:42] has purged [1:47:43] career prosecutors [1:47:44] for personal reasons [1:47:46] for refusing [1:47:46] to prioritize [1:47:47] President Trump's [1:47:48] interests [1:47:49] over their [1:47:50] constitutional oath [1:47:52] Todd Blanche [1:47:53] has fired [1:47:54] more than [1:47:55] 1,200 [1:47:56] former career [1:47:57] DOJ employees [1:47:58] who worked [1:47:59] for both [1:48:00] Republican [1:48:00] and Democratic [1:48:01] administrations [1:48:02] this doesn't even [1:48:03] include [1:48:04] all of the [1:48:05] DOJ attorneys [1:48:07] who resigned [1:48:08] because they didn't [1:48:10] want to be part [1:48:10] of the kind [1:48:11] of DOJ [1:48:13] that Todd Blanche [1:48:14] is creating [1:48:15] which is basically [1:48:16] not a Department [1:48:17] of Justice [1:48:18] but a Department [1:48:19] of Retribution [1:48:19] and Corruption [1:48:21] in my view [1:48:22] Ms. Oyer [1:48:23] what risks [1:48:25] does this pose [1:48:26] to our country [1:48:27] for the kind [1:48:29] of DOJ [1:48:30] that Todd Blanche [1:48:32] is running [1:48:33] Senator [1:48:35] one of DOJ's [1:48:36] greatest strengths [1:48:37] historically [1:48:38] has been [1:48:38] its nonpolitical [1:48:40] career workforce [1:48:41] of experts [1:48:42] people who are [1:48:42] experts in their [1:48:43] subject matter [1:48:44] that is crucial [1:48:45] to keeping [1:48:45] all of us safe [1:48:46] we need people [1:48:47] who have specialization [1:48:48] in things like [1:48:49] national security [1:48:50] prosecuting [1:48:51] child exploitation [1:48:52] all manner [1:48:53] of sophisticated [1:48:54] crimes involving [1:48:55] cryptocurrency [1:48:55] Mr. Blanche [1:48:56] has decimated [1:48:57] the expertise [1:48:58] of the career [1:48:59] workforce [1:49:00] the Justice [1:49:00] Department [1:49:01] has lost [1:49:02] over a quarter [1:49:03] of its attorneys [1:49:03] under his leadership [1:49:04] and has not [1:49:05] been able [1:49:06] to replace them [1:49:07] certainly not [1:49:08] with experienced [1:49:09] knowledgeable [1:49:09] nonpolitical people [1:49:11] I think the DOJ [1:49:12] is very much [1:49:13] losing its credibility [1:49:14] and as Mr. Ashkov [1:49:17] mentioned [1:49:18] the credibility [1:49:19] and trust in DOJ [1:49:20] is very important [1:49:21] the rule of law [1:49:22] is very important [1:49:23] we have a president [1:49:24] who does not believe [1:49:25] the rule of law [1:49:26] applies to him [1:49:27] and his attorney [1:49:28] Mr. Blanche [1:49:30] is helping him [1:49:31] helping the president [1:49:32] proceed with his [1:49:34] basically anti-rule [1:49:36] of law agenda [1:49:37] I thank everyone [1:49:38] for testifying today [1:49:39] thank you [1:49:40] Senator Booker [1:49:42] I just want to start off [1:49:44] by saying [1:49:44] Ms. Oyer [1:49:45] I hold you [1:49:46] in the highest esteem [1:49:47] and respect [1:49:48] especially what you're [1:49:49] doing now [1:49:49] as a private citizen [1:49:51] you use a platform [1:49:53] to educate people [1:49:54] about the law [1:49:54] it is technical [1:49:55] but yet accessible [1:49:56] and the badgering [1:49:58] you just endured [1:49:59] it should be [1:50:00] completely unacceptable [1:50:02] you were asked [1:50:03] to comment on things [1:50:04] you didn't have [1:50:05] before you [1:50:05] the treatment here [1:50:07] to me is just [1:50:08] outrageous [1:50:09] and I apologize [1:50:10] on behalf of the [1:50:11] United States Senate [1:50:12] this idea [1:50:14] that as a private citizen [1:50:15] you can't sell things [1:50:16] is insulting to me [1:50:18] when we have [1:50:18] Kash Patel [1:50:19] our sitting FBI director [1:50:22] selling merch [1:50:23] on his site [1:50:24] when you have [1:50:25] a president [1:50:26] of the United States [1:50:27] hawking the Bible [1:50:29] and yet you [1:50:31] as a private citizen [1:50:32] who has a platform [1:50:35] to inform people [1:50:36] about the law [1:50:36] how dare we [1:50:39] make such an accusation [1:50:41] when the mockery [1:50:42] of justice [1:50:43] the exploitation [1:50:44] and the grifting [1:50:45] off of their offices [1:50:46] has never received [1:50:48] criticism [1:50:48] from that side [1:50:49] of the aisle [1:50:49] and yet they want [1:50:51] to demean you [1:50:52] as a private citizen [1:50:53] for engaging [1:50:55] in commerce [1:50:56] that's ridiculous [1:50:57] in addition to the fact [1:51:00] that you were [1:51:00] a career [1:51:01] public servant [1:51:02] for your entire life [1:51:04] you were a public defender [1:51:07] underpaid [1:51:10] overworked [1:51:11] not for a year [1:51:12] not for five years [1:51:13] but for years [1:51:14] the dignity [1:51:15] and the service [1:51:16] you have brought [1:51:17] no matter whether [1:51:19] we disagree [1:51:19] with your politics [1:51:20] or not [1:51:21] should merit [1:51:23] the praise [1:51:24] of every single [1:51:25] senator here [1:51:26] so I apologize [1:51:28] for what you endured [1:51:29] I thank you [1:51:30] for the service [1:51:31] you've given [1:51:31] to this country [1:51:32] and on matters [1:51:34] of horrible killings [1:51:36] horrific acts [1:51:39] these are complicated matters [1:51:41] I hold here [1:51:42] and I'll submit this [1:51:43] for the record [1:51:43] people who were [1:51:45] victims [1:51:46] families [1:51:46] survivors [1:51:47] who wrote letters [1:51:49] to the president [1:51:50] of the United States [1:51:50] asking not to have [1:51:52] the death penalty [1:51:53] put there [1:51:54] and I understand [1:51:54] there's differing views [1:51:55] but you are putting [1:51:57] those complicated decisions [1:51:58] to write career memos [1:52:00] for the president [1:52:01] to make decisions [1:52:02] about who's pardoned [1:52:03] and not [1:52:04] and so I am sorry [1:52:06] what I witnessed [1:52:07] I came late to the hearing [1:52:08] was just unacceptable [1:52:09] to me [1:52:10] and I am grateful [1:52:11] as somebody that follows you [1:52:12] that reposts your content [1:52:15] I am grateful [1:52:16] that you're here [1:52:17] thank you [1:52:18] I want to say [1:52:20] I didn't hear that [1:52:20] on the microphone [1:52:21] senators enjoy praise [1:52:23] so what did you say [1:52:24] thank you sir [1:52:24] thank you very much [1:52:25] I appreciate that [1:52:26] I appreciate that [1:52:27] I just want to say [1:52:30] before serving [1:52:30] as a partner attorney [1:52:31] I pointed out [1:52:32] that you were [1:52:33] a federal public defender [1:52:34] with clients [1:52:36] in the bureau of prisons [1:52:37] was it customary process [1:52:39] for transferring [1:52:40] a bureau prison prisoner [1:52:42] from a low security prison [1:52:44] to a minimum security camp [1:52:45] was that standard practice [1:52:46] that was unheard of [1:52:48] unheard of [1:52:49] it's against BOP policies [1:52:51] what role [1:52:53] does the deputy attorney general [1:52:55] usually play [1:52:56] in that process [1:52:58] usually the deputy attorney general [1:53:00] would have no role [1:53:01] in designating [1:53:02] or transferring inmates [1:53:03] no role whatsoever [1:53:04] yet the Todd Blanche [1:53:06] went directly [1:53:07] and met with him [1:53:08] are you aware [1:53:08] of any person [1:53:09] serving time [1:53:10] for child sex trafficking [1:53:12] like Ghislaine Maxwell [1:53:14] being transferred [1:53:15] from a low security [1:53:17] prison facility [1:53:18] to a minimum security camp [1:53:20] I have never heard of that [1:53:22] it would be [1:53:23] an egregious violation [1:53:24] of the department [1:53:24] of justice's own rules [1:53:26] Ms. Bankski [1:53:27] how do you feel [1:53:28] knowing [1:53:29] that the deputy attorney [1:53:30] Todd Blanche [1:53:31] went to meet with her [1:53:33] for two days [1:53:35] and then gave her [1:53:36] a cushy transfer [1:53:38] while he would not [1:53:40] meet with you [1:53:41] and then lied [1:53:42] to this committee yesterday [1:53:43] saying he was [1:53:44] barred by the law [1:53:46] which a first year [1:53:48] law student [1:53:49] can know the difference of [1:53:50] how did that make you feel? [1:53:52] it's devastating [1:53:53] for survivors [1:53:53] and I'd like to add to that [1:53:55] that Annie Farmer [1:53:55] a victim [1:53:57] and survivor [1:53:59] who testified [1:54:00] in Ghislaine Maxwell's hearing [1:54:01] actually wrote a letter [1:54:02] to Todd Blanche [1:54:03] immediately after that [1:54:04] and requested a meeting [1:54:05] with him [1:54:06] regarding the move [1:54:07] and the transfer [1:54:08] and she's never heard [1:54:08] anything back at all [1:54:09] it is insulting [1:54:10] to heap upon survivors [1:54:13] the indignities [1:54:15] that he has [1:54:15] by not even meeting [1:54:16] with you [1:54:17] yet he transferred [1:54:18] a sex offender [1:54:21] to a cushy camp [1:54:23] against BOP policies [1:54:25] it sounds like [1:54:28] she got a sweetheart deal [1:54:30] while he released [1:54:31] your personal information [1:54:32] your address [1:54:34] phone numbers [1:54:35] images [1:54:36] and yet he seems [1:54:39] to be favoring [1:54:40] the victimizer [1:54:42] and not the survivors [1:54:43] I'm out of time [1:54:44] and it's honorable [1:54:46] to see Mr. Ashcroft here [1:54:47] sir [1:54:48] I know you [1:54:49] I know your record [1:54:51] we may have disagreed [1:54:51] on policies [1:54:52] but I also know [1:54:53] you would never [1:54:54] when you were reviewing [1:54:56] a merger [1:54:57] you would never go out [1:54:59] to dinner [1:55:00] with the parties [1:55:01] of that merger [1:55:01] it would be unacceptable [1:55:04] for a person [1:55:07] that is supervising [1:55:08] a matter [1:55:08] to attend [1:55:10] a social event [1:55:11] with those people [1:55:12] before your lawyers [1:55:13] it's about ethics [1:55:15] it's about the appearance [1:55:16] of impropriety [1:55:17] it's about following [1:55:18] the law [1:55:19] this nominee [1:55:20] has not followed [1:55:21] the ethics laws [1:55:22] has not followed [1:55:24] the urgency [1:55:24] for avoiding [1:55:25] the appearance [1:55:26] of improprieties [1:55:27] has broken [1:55:28] a bipartisan law [1:55:29] passed by Congress [1:55:31] has demeaned [1:55:33] and degraded [1:55:34] survivors of sexual violence [1:55:36] and has shielded [1:55:37] the president [1:55:38] by some kind of deal [1:55:39] we know nothing about [1:55:41] that allowed her [1:55:42] now to be transferred [1:55:43] to some cushy camp [1:55:45] that has never been done [1:55:47] before with sex offenders [1:55:48] this man should not [1:55:49] be in this office [1:55:50] I cannot believe [1:55:51] we're going through [1:55:52] this farce [1:55:53] when his record alone [1:55:54] should make him [1:55:55] disqualified [1:55:57] not for to be [1:55:58] the attorney general [1:55:59] but for even being [1:56:00] employed by the federal [1:56:01] government [1:56:01] thank you [1:56:02] Senator Welch [1:56:04] thank you very much [1:56:06] first of all [1:56:07] Ms. Boss [1:56:09] thank you so much [1:56:10] and I fully support [1:56:12] your advocacy [1:56:13] that the Department [1:56:15] of Justice [1:56:16] have as a priority [1:56:17] focusing on victims [1:56:19] and I also want to [1:56:21] express to [1:56:22] the Epstein victims [1:56:25] my appreciation [1:56:26] for allowing me [1:56:27] to be with you [1:56:27] yesterday [1:56:28] and be so uplifted [1:56:29] by your support [1:56:31] for one another [1:56:31] and all you've done [1:56:33] to ennoble [1:56:34] the rights of victims [1:56:36] and the strength [1:56:37] of victims [1:56:37] to recover [1:56:39] thank you [1:56:40] very much [1:56:41] Mr. Ashcroft [1:56:43] I wanted to [1:56:44] first of all [1:56:45] say [1:56:46] we seem to have [1:56:47] a problem in Missouri [1:56:48] with the attorney generals [1:56:49] not being able [1:56:49] to keep their job [1:56:51] they all end up [1:56:51] in the U.S. Senate [1:56:52] you started [1:56:54] quite a trend [1:56:55] with Mr. Hawley [1:56:56] and Mr. Schmidt [1:56:57] well [1:56:58] in all deference [1:57:00] it should be remembered [1:57:01] that a very important [1:57:02] member of the Senate [1:57:03] named Jack Danforth [1:57:04] that's right [1:57:05] had previously served [1:57:06] as attorney general [1:57:07] of Missouri [1:57:08] so myself excluded [1:57:11] I have been a privilege [1:57:13] to be in a line [1:57:14] of individuals [1:57:15] that I believe [1:57:16] have rendered [1:57:17] very significant [1:57:18] and valuable service [1:57:19] to this nation [1:57:20] well I think [1:57:20] I think you [1:57:21] thank you [1:57:21] and I agree with that [1:57:22] and I think [1:57:24] first of all [1:57:24] I want to express to you [1:57:25] how much I've admired [1:57:26] your career [1:57:27] and I think [1:57:29] that being an attorney general [1:57:30] is probably [1:57:32] the most difficult [1:57:33] cabinet position [1:57:34] and one of the things [1:57:36] that's required [1:57:37] is that you give advice [1:57:38] to the president [1:57:39] and it may be advice [1:57:40] he doesn't want to hear [1:57:41] and you know [1:57:43] I remember [1:57:45] March of 2004 [1:57:47] when you were [1:57:48] recovering from an illness [1:57:50] and Mr. Comey [1:57:51] was the acting [1:57:52] attorney general [1:57:54] and the president's council [1:57:58] came to your hospital room [1:58:00] and wanted you [1:58:02] to sign off [1:58:03] on a security law [1:58:06] that Mr. Comey [1:58:08] in his opinion [1:58:08] thought was not legal [1:58:10] and you said [1:58:13] that was Mr. Comey's decision [1:58:15] because he was [1:58:16] the acting attorney general [1:58:17] is that right? [1:58:19] I believe that the public [1:58:21] written reports [1:58:23] you know [1:58:23] it's been in novels [1:58:25] and other things [1:58:26] and I have no reason [1:58:27] to contest [1:58:28] what they've said [1:58:29] I was in bed [1:58:30] with a morphine pump [1:58:31] in one hand [1:58:32] I was in [1:58:33] in what you call [1:58:36] what do they call this [1:58:37] intensive care [1:58:38] and [1:58:40] but the bottom line here [1:58:41] is that [1:58:43] the president [1:58:44] wanted [1:58:47] an answer [1:58:49] to permit him [1:58:50] to proceed [1:58:50] but it was the opinion [1:58:52] of Mr. Comey [1:58:53] at that time [1:58:54] that that was not legal [1:58:55] and [1:58:56] this raises [1:58:58] really what I think [1:59:00] is the [1:59:00] heart of what is [1:59:02] so challenging [1:59:02] to be attorney general [1:59:03] the president [1:59:05] is the executive [1:59:07] you serve in his cabinet [1:59:08] but there are times [1:59:10] when an attorney general [1:59:11] has to say no [1:59:11] is that correct? [1:59:16] He had [1:59:16] no attorney [1:59:17] ever [1:59:18] is a good attorney [1:59:19] who doesn't tell [1:59:20] his client [1:59:21] the truth [1:59:22] right [1:59:23] and it's important [1:59:24] that the client [1:59:25] trust the attorney [1:59:27] and I appreciate [1:59:28] that [1:59:28] and so [1:59:29] I believe that [1:59:31] the attorney general [1:59:32] is sworn to the [1:59:33] constitution of the [1:59:34] United States [1:59:35] and not to an individual [1:59:36] he answers to the president [1:59:38] he is sworn to the constitution [1:59:40] that's exactly right [1:59:41] now also [1:59:42] when the Enron case [1:59:44] which was an explosive case [1:59:45] came up [1:59:46] you had received [1:59:48] contributions [1:59:49] in your political career [1:59:50] they were totally [1:59:51] and completely legal [1:59:52] but my understanding [1:59:54] is [1:59:54] because of that [1:59:55] and the appearance [1:59:56] of a potential conflict [1:59:57] you recused yourself [1:59:58] from that [1:59:59] that case [2:00:01] correct? [2:00:01] I wish I remembered [2:00:02] things [2:00:03] especially things [2:00:04] you say are favorable [2:00:05] about what I've done [2:00:06] but it's [2:00:08] it's over two decades ago [2:00:10] that I did [2:00:11] what you did [2:00:12] Mr. Ashcroft [2:00:13] is what needs to be done [2:00:14] you said it [2:00:15] it's the constitution [2:00:16] who's your client [2:00:17] it's the American people [2:00:19] who are ultimately [2:00:19] your client [2:00:20] and you have to give [2:00:21] that direct [2:00:22] and candid advice [2:00:23] to the executive [2:00:25] who is the president [2:00:26] so [2:00:27] that's my question [2:00:29] about Mr. Blanche [2:00:30] it's not his competence [2:00:31] it's not that he's got [2:00:32] an ongoing relationship [2:00:33] but [2:00:34] could you imagine [2:00:36] serving as attorney general [2:00:39] and having [2:00:40] President Bush [2:00:41] come to you [2:00:41] and say [2:00:42] by the way [2:00:43] who paid you [2:00:44] nine million dollars [2:00:45] before you got to be [2:00:46] attorney general [2:00:47] to represent him [2:00:48] in criminal actions [2:00:49] okay [2:00:49] this is [2:00:50] it's astonishing [2:00:52] right [2:00:53] but then he said [2:00:54] I've got an idea [2:00:55] we're going to [2:00:56] sue the federal government [2:00:57] for ten [2:00:58] billion dollars [2:00:59] and you're going [2:01:01] to represent [2:01:02] the IRS [2:01:03] and then [2:01:04] why don't you [2:01:05] work out a settlement [2:01:06] where [2:01:06] there's a [2:01:07] 1.7 billion dollar [2:01:09] fund that I control [2:01:11] would you see [2:01:14] anything like [2:01:16] odd about that [2:01:17] I didn't have [2:01:20] that situation [2:01:21] I didn't have [2:01:22] a president [2:01:23] that had been [2:01:24] the subject of [2:01:26] illegal disclosure [2:01:28] of his activities [2:01:29] criminal disclosure [2:01:31] I want to get to [2:01:34] your judgment [2:01:34] on this [2:01:35] because [2:01:35] well [2:01:35] yeah [2:01:36] but [2:01:36] I swore [2:01:37] to tell [2:01:37] the truth [2:01:37] the whole truth [2:01:38] and nothing [2:01:38] but the truth [2:01:39] that's a big [2:01:40] challenge [2:01:41] in an oath [2:01:42] and I [2:01:42] so I want [2:01:43] to give my answer [2:01:44] and not your answer [2:01:45] although I respect [2:01:45] your question [2:01:46] no [2:01:47] but what I'm asking [2:01:48] you have [2:01:51] incredible credibility [2:01:52] incredible character [2:01:54] incredible respect [2:01:55] incredible credibility [2:01:55] is kind of almost [2:01:56] like senate speak [2:01:57] unbelievable [2:01:58] believability [2:01:59] I mean [2:02:00] no [2:02:00] I was in this body [2:02:02] myself [2:02:03] and sat on that [2:02:03] side of the dais [2:02:04] well you wouldn't [2:02:05] have had that reputation [2:02:06] if you were a senator [2:02:08] I mean that's just [2:02:08] because you stood up [2:02:09] to the president [2:02:10] oh yes I would [2:02:10] I was honest [2:02:12] as a senator [2:02:12] I have to [2:02:13] I confess [2:02:16] my faults [2:02:17] from both eras [2:02:19] both my legislative [2:02:20] I'm just going to finish [2:02:21] thank you for your [2:02:22] indulgence [2:02:22] but number one [2:02:23] when you saw [2:02:24] that there was [2:02:25] the appearance [2:02:25] of a conflict [2:02:26] you did not continue [2:02:27] representing [2:02:28] the government [2:02:29] in the Enron case [2:02:30] number two [2:02:31] when it came [2:02:32] to a president's [2:02:34] demand [2:02:34] on something [2:02:35] of vital concern [2:02:36] to the president [2:02:37] a national security [2:02:38] law [2:02:39] surveillance law [2:02:40] where it was [2:02:41] the opinion [2:02:42] of your department [2:02:43] that it was illegal [2:02:44] you stood up [2:02:45] to the president [2:02:46] and didn't cave [2:02:47] I respect that [2:02:50] and I believe [2:02:50] that's the obligation [2:02:51] and the burden [2:02:52] of whoever serves [2:02:53] as our attorney general [2:02:54] Mr. Blanche [2:02:55] does not share that [2:02:57] I thank you [2:02:58] for that respect [2:02:59] I hope when I grow up [2:03:03] I live to [2:03:03] do things right [2:03:05] Senator Tillis [2:03:07] Mr. Ashcroft [2:03:09] and to all the witnesses [2:03:10] thank you for being here [2:03:12] Mr. Ashcroft [2:03:14] I told the chairman [2:03:15] or I told the chairman [2:03:16] staff I had one question [2:03:17] but like John Kennedy [2:03:18] it has two parts [2:03:19] you know my first question [2:03:24] Mr. Ashcroft [2:03:24] I mentioned yesterday [2:03:26] that I'm disturbed [2:03:27] with the political physics [2:03:29] going on today [2:03:30] if you think about [2:03:31] the Obama administration [2:03:32] they had vindictive prosecutions [2:03:35] President Trump came in [2:03:36] more or less matched up [2:03:38] on some of it [2:03:39] President Biden comes in [2:03:40] goes a little bit further [2:03:42] and this administration [2:03:43] seems to me [2:03:44] when we're doing [2:03:45] 86-47 [2:03:47] we're doing indictments [2:03:48] for that [2:03:49] unless there's others [2:03:49] it's an act of investigation [2:03:50] but that's a reason [2:03:51] to bring Mr. Comey [2:03:53] and do a perp walk [2:03:55] because he arranged shells [2:03:56] 86-47 on a beach [2:03:58] in North Carolina [2:03:59] that's all we know right now [2:04:00] it just seems like [2:04:02] it seems to me like [2:04:03] there's a continuing [2:04:04] you know this exceptional nation [2:04:06] we are [2:04:06] Americans always want to do better [2:04:08] you know get bigger [2:04:09] higher the next time [2:04:10] do you [2:04:11] am I wrong [2:04:12] or am I perceiving [2:04:13] a continued escalation [2:04:15] of prosecutions [2:04:17] that some of which [2:04:18] really because of the way [2:04:19] that they're being adjudicated [2:04:20] they're not being successful [2:04:22] it just seems to me [2:04:23] that we're like shooting [2:04:24] you know shoot ready aim [2:04:26] on some prosecutions [2:04:28] and I'm not only talking [2:04:29] about the current [2:04:30] Trump administration [2:04:31] I'm going back [2:04:32] to the Obama era [2:04:33] do you agree with me [2:04:35] that there seems [2:04:36] to be a trend [2:04:36] that each administration [2:04:38] we seem to be upping it [2:04:39] of late [2:04:40] I'm not sure [2:04:43] I could quantify [2:04:46] any disenchantment [2:04:49] I [2:04:50] okay [2:04:51] that's okay [2:04:52] I believe [2:04:52] that's fine [2:04:53] I think [2:04:53] partisanship [2:04:55] no that's okay [2:04:56] Mr. Ashcroft [2:04:57] I'm going to live up [2:04:57] my promise [2:04:58] to yield back some time [2:04:59] my point [2:05:00] I'm a management consultant [2:05:01] I'm not an attorney [2:05:02] I'm not a prosecutor [2:05:03] I'm not a law enforcement officer [2:05:04] but I deal with facts [2:05:06] and empirical data [2:05:07] pretty well [2:05:07] I guarantee you [2:05:09] I can give you [2:05:10] a list of cases [2:05:11] and a list of investigations [2:05:13] a list of vindictive audits [2:05:16] and every year [2:05:17] it's like [2:05:18] from 2008 [2:05:20] to 2012 [2:05:22] to 2016 [2:05:23] to 2020 [2:05:25] and 2024 [2:05:26] one party [2:05:27] is going to have to actually [2:05:28] be an adult in the room [2:05:30] and stop it [2:05:30] and our members here [2:05:32] need to stop having [2:05:33] situational ethics [2:05:34] where they're only opposed to it [2:05:36] when the other party's in power [2:05:37] but that was not my question [2:05:39] yesterday [2:05:41] before the hearing [2:05:44] and Mr. Blanche [2:05:45] I have a positive predisposition to [2:05:47] just so that everybody knows [2:05:49] I have not made a final decision [2:05:51] but Mr. Blanche said [2:05:53] very quickly yesterday [2:05:54] that he would meet [2:05:56] with the victims [2:05:57] the Epstein victims [2:05:59] today [2:06:00] if it could be arranged [2:06:02] well right now [2:06:04] the markup [2:06:05] if you all don't know [2:06:06] procedure here [2:06:07] after this hearing [2:06:08] is done today [2:06:08] next week we'll hold it over [2:06:10] the earliest possible markup [2:06:11] would be two weeks from now [2:06:12] and because it seemed to me [2:06:15] that Mr. Blanche [2:06:17] was willing to [2:06:18] to say that he would meet [2:06:20] with them and counsel [2:06:21] I understand the restriction [2:06:22] the council has to be present [2:06:24] I expect that meeting to occur [2:06:25] before I'm willing to vote [2:06:26] out of this committee [2:06:27] and I'm trying to get to yes [2:06:29] but this is a very important part [2:06:32] of getting to yes [2:06:34] there should not be [2:06:36] any reason why [2:06:37] based on what Mr. [2:06:38] what Mr. Blanche said yesterday [2:06:39] if he said that he would do it today [2:06:41] then he can certainly do it [2:06:42] over the next two weeks [2:06:43] thank you Mr. Chair [2:06:45] I yield back [2:06:45] talking about what you said [2:06:48] what advice [2:06:50] or how political [2:06:51] attorney general offices [2:06:53] I remember that Holder said [2:06:55] he was a wingman [2:06:56] for President Obama [2:06:58] that's exactly right Mr. Chair [2:07:00] and anybody who comes up here [2:07:02] and steps up on their [2:07:04] on their pulpit [2:07:05] and then all of a sudden [2:07:06] I can go back [2:07:07] and see of record [2:07:08] the absolute silence [2:07:10] of Democrats [2:07:11] when Biden and Obama [2:07:12] did the same thing [2:07:13] I'd love to see a Democrat [2:07:15] who has taken the position [2:07:16] that I have [2:07:17] with an administration [2:07:18] that shares my jersey [2:07:19] because that's the only way [2:07:21] this nonsense stops [2:07:23] Senator Schiff [2:07:24] Thank you Mr. Chairman [2:07:27] Mr. Adler [2:07:28] thank you for being here [2:07:29] and for your many years [2:07:30] of service [2:07:30] Ms. Oyer [2:07:32] likewise [2:07:33] thank you for your courage [2:07:34] at the Justice Department [2:07:35] and for your willingness [2:07:36] to speak out [2:07:37] Ms. Boss [2:07:38] I'm just heartbroken [2:07:40] for your loss [2:07:41] and very much appreciate [2:07:42] your advocacy [2:07:43] and Ms. Benske [2:07:45] thank you [2:07:46] for your willingness [2:07:46] to speak out [2:07:47] and for all of the Epstein [2:07:48] victims that are here [2:07:49] I'm glad the Attorney General [2:07:51] finally acknowledged [2:07:53] that he could meet with you [2:07:54] I was perplexed [2:07:55] when he said somehow [2:07:56] that he was prohibited [2:07:57] that's simply not the law [2:07:58] and I hope that meeting [2:08:00] takes place [2:08:01] Mr. Ashcroft [2:08:02] thank you for your service [2:08:03] I wanted to ask you [2:08:06] about some remarks [2:08:08] the Attorney General made [2:08:09] when he said [2:08:11] that he thought the President [2:08:14] he was asked about [2:08:14] the President targeting [2:08:15] his political opponents [2:08:17] and enemies [2:08:17] for prosecution [2:08:19] and I don't subscribe [2:08:21] to the [2:08:22] what I think [2:08:23] is the false equivalence [2:08:24] we've never seen [2:08:25] a President behave this way [2:08:26] where he openly [2:08:29] and privately [2:08:30] calls on [2:08:31] the Attorney General [2:08:32] to prosecute [2:08:33] his enemies [2:08:34] and I want to ask you [2:08:37] about that Mr. Ashcroft [2:08:37] because [2:08:38] Mr. Blanche has said [2:08:40] that he believes [2:08:40] the President has [2:08:41] both the right [2:08:42] and the duty [2:08:42] to use the Justice Department [2:08:44] to go after his enemies [2:08:45] do you subscribe [2:08:47] to that view [2:08:48] thank you Senator [2:08:52] I believe that [2:08:53] the Attorney General [2:08:55] of the United States [2:08:55] has the right [2:08:56] and responsibility [2:08:57] to enforce the law [2:08:58] uniformly [2:08:59] and if the law [2:09:01] has been broken [2:09:01] by the President's enemies [2:09:03] he has a duty [2:09:04] they do not become [2:09:06] exempt [2:09:06] from following the law [2:09:08] merely by [2:09:09] by their enmity [2:09:10] to the President [2:09:11] of the United States [2:09:12] as a matter of fact [2:09:14] the people [2:09:15] who break the law [2:09:16] are in enmity [2:09:17] with the people [2:09:18] of the United States [2:09:18] whose expression [2:09:19] of what is the law [2:09:21] has been developed [2:09:22] in this body [2:09:22] in the Congress [2:09:24] of the United States [2:09:25] so the [2:09:25] we used to call [2:09:26] people who break [2:09:27] the law [2:09:27] public enemies [2:09:28] Mr. Attorney [2:09:29] and so my view [2:09:30] is that [2:09:31] whether a person [2:09:32] has been [2:09:33] a political supporter [2:09:34] or not [2:09:35] of the President [2:09:36] of the United States [2:09:37] is not the determining [2:09:38] factor [2:09:38] regarding prosecution [2:09:40] it's whether a person [2:09:41] has violated the law [2:09:42] and in enforcing the law [2:09:44] the Attorney General [2:09:46] is carrying out [2:09:47] the will [2:09:47] expressed in the Congress [2:09:49] Mr. Attorney General [2:09:49] you realize [2:09:51] having sat here [2:09:51] my time is very limited [2:09:52] that really isn't [2:09:54] my question [2:09:54] my question is [2:09:56] do you think [2:09:56] it is appropriate [2:09:57] for the President [2:09:58] to call on the Attorney General [2:10:01] to prosecute [2:10:01] one of his enemies [2:10:02] and acting on that [2:10:05] request of the President [2:10:06] for the Attorney General [2:10:07] to do so [2:10:08] the President [2:10:09] of the United States [2:10:10] is the executive branch [2:10:13] of the United States [2:10:14] whose charge it is [2:10:16] to enforce the laws [2:10:17] of the United States [2:10:18] so is that [2:10:19] when the President [2:10:20] of the United States [2:10:21] asks that the laws [2:10:22] be enforced [2:10:23] I don't see that [2:10:24] as consistent [2:10:25] with his duties [2:10:25] or responsibilities [2:10:26] if the laws [2:10:28] were to be enforced [2:10:29] differentially [2:10:30] and which one [2:10:30] of the things [2:10:31] that scares me [2:10:32] about as many laws [2:10:33] as we have [2:10:33] you know [2:10:34] someone said [2:10:35] in order to run [2:10:36] a police state [2:10:36] you only have to have [2:10:37] one policeman [2:10:38] but if you have [2:10:39] enough laws [2:10:40] you can go find [2:10:41] something wrong [2:10:41] with anybody you want [2:10:42] so the President [2:10:44] I believe [2:10:44] his job [2:10:45] is to have [2:10:47] an administration [2:10:48] which calls [2:10:49] for the enforcement [2:10:50] of the laws [2:10:51] of the United States [2:10:52] without regard [2:10:53] to the political [2:10:55] preferences [2:10:56] of the people [2:10:57] who are perpetrators [2:10:58] or accused individuals [2:10:59] in the system [2:11:00] I'm not sure [2:11:01] that I understand [2:11:01] your answer [2:11:02] except you seem [2:11:03] to accept [2:11:04] the premise [2:11:05] that it is okay [2:11:06] now for a President [2:11:07] to call [2:11:08] the Attorney General [2:11:09] and ask him [2:11:09] to prosecute his enemies [2:11:10] you don't seem [2:11:12] to have a problem [2:11:12] with that [2:11:12] if you do have [2:11:13] a problem [2:11:13] with that [2:11:13] please say so [2:11:14] I believe [2:11:16] the President [2:11:16] needs to be [2:11:17] an advocate [2:11:18] of strong law enforcement [2:11:19] and that includes [2:11:21] enemies of his [2:11:23] and if an enemy [2:11:26] of the President [2:11:27] goes out [2:11:28] and conducts [2:11:29] a violent crime [2:11:30] it's nothing wrong [2:11:31] with the President [2:11:32] calling the Attorney General [2:11:34] and saying [2:11:34] I hope you do something [2:11:35] about this violent crime [2:11:37] and if the President's [2:11:38] enemy [2:11:38] takes a photo [2:11:39] of seashells [2:11:40] you think it's [2:11:41] appropriate [2:11:42] to prosecute them [2:11:43] if Senators [2:11:44] make a video [2:11:45] stating the plain [2:11:46] law and Constitution [2:11:47] that you can [2:11:49] disobey [2:11:50] an illegal order [2:11:51] you think it's [2:11:52] okay for the President [2:11:53] or others [2:11:54] to call on them [2:11:54] to be prosecuted [2:11:55] I don't think so [2:11:57] I don't think so [2:11:58] and I don't think [2:12:00] you would have done [2:12:00] that as Attorney General [2:12:01] I hope you wouldn't have [2:12:02] if you would have [2:12:03] you were not [2:12:04] the Attorney General [2:12:04] I thought you were [2:12:05] I don't think it's [2:12:07] appropriate for this [2:12:08] Attorney General [2:12:08] or any other [2:12:09] and I don't remember [2:12:11] seeing not [2:12:11] notwithstanding [2:12:12] the false equivalents [2:12:14] I hear expressed [2:12:15] so many times [2:12:15] from my colleagues [2:12:16] in this committee [2:12:16] I don't remember [2:12:18] any Democratic [2:12:18] President [2:12:19] calling the Attorney General [2:12:22] and saying [2:12:23] you need to prosecute him [2:12:25] and you need to prosecute her [2:12:26] and you need to prosecute them [2:12:27] and you need to go [2:12:28] after this organization [2:12:29] we have never seen [2:12:30] that before [2:12:31] or anything like it [2:12:32] anything like it [2:12:33] and generic statements [2:12:35] oh they all do it [2:12:36] is simply not the case [2:12:38] and by making that argument [2:12:40] it just [2:12:40] it just further erodes [2:12:43] the wall of independence [2:12:45] that I'm sure [2:12:45] Attorney General [2:12:46] you remember [2:12:47] after Watergate [2:12:48] when because of the abuses [2:12:50] of President Nixon [2:12:51] there was an effort [2:12:52] to make the Justice Department [2:12:54] independent from the White House [2:12:56] not [2:12:56] not completely independent [2:12:58] in the sense that [2:12:59] the President [2:12:59] couldn't set general priorities [2:13:01] I want you to emphasize [2:13:02] these cases [2:13:03] and these cases [2:13:04] whether it's [2:13:05] immigration cases [2:13:05] or drug cases [2:13:06] that was always appropriate [2:13:08] but what has never been appropriate [2:13:10] and particularly [2:13:12] so after Watergate [2:13:14] was for the Attorney General [2:13:15] of the United States [2:13:16] to break that wall [2:13:17] and call on his Attorney General [2:13:19] to prosecute his enemies [2:13:20] and I would say [2:13:22] even without [2:13:23] any basis [2:13:25] to do so [2:13:26] and this Justice Department [2:13:28] has been willing to do so [2:13:29] and has gone before grand juries [2:13:31] and we have never [2:13:32] I think seen the likes of this either [2:13:34] in these high profile cases [2:13:35] where the grand jurors [2:13:36] in some cases [2:13:38] to a person [2:13:39] have refused an indictment [2:13:41] how often did you [2:13:43] have that happen to you [2:13:44] Mr. Chairman [2:13:45] last question I'll ask you [2:13:46] how often Mr. Attorney General [2:13:47] did you seek an indictment [2:13:49] as a prosecutor [2:13:50] and have not a single grand juror [2:13:53] vote to indict [2:13:54] did that ever happen to you [2:13:56] I don't know [2:13:57] I just don't know [2:13:59] I thank you Mr. Chairman [2:14:00] Senator Brett [2:14:01] thank you Mr. Chairman [2:14:04] appreciate all of you [2:14:07] being here today [2:14:08] witnesses taking your time [2:14:09] to be in front of us [2:14:11] before I start [2:14:12] I want to say thank you [2:14:13] to Attorney General [2:14:15] Ascroft for being here today [2:14:17] and your service to our country [2:14:18] both as Attorney General [2:14:20] and as a United States Senator [2:14:22] and also thank you [2:14:24] for your kind words [2:14:25] about Senator Graham [2:14:27] really appreciate it [2:14:28] Mrs. Boss [2:14:33] thank you for sharing your story [2:14:35] reliving the worst [2:14:39] day in your life [2:14:41] being willing to [2:14:43] tell your story [2:14:44] so that people hear it [2:14:46] really appreciate it [2:14:48] and I am so sorry [2:14:49] for your loss [2:14:50] we're going to talk [2:14:53] a little bit [2:14:53] in a second about [2:14:54] people needing to meet [2:14:56] with survivors [2:14:58] which I completely agree with [2:15:00] and victims [2:15:02] let me ask you a question [2:15:04] do you think that [2:15:06] when someone is killed [2:15:10] at the hands of [2:15:11] an illegal alien [2:15:13] that their representation [2:15:15] in Congress [2:15:16] Senator [2:15:17] Congressman [2:15:19] should meet [2:15:20] with that family [2:15:21] absolutely [2:15:25] of course [2:15:27] it's my understanding [2:15:28] that there are many [2:15:29] angel families [2:15:30] that cannot get meetings [2:15:31] with their senators [2:15:32] have you heard that [2:15:34] absolutely [2:15:35] it happens all the time [2:15:37] as a matter of fact [2:15:38] the lovely and kind words [2:15:40] from [2:15:41] Senator Durbin [2:15:43] I am his constituent [2:15:45] this is the first time [2:15:46] I've ever spoken with him [2:15:47] I haven't spoken with him [2:15:49] he spoke to me [2:15:49] well I hope [2:15:51] and I'm sure that [2:15:52] I hope I heard actually [2:15:56] the ranking member yesterday [2:15:58] talk about the need [2:15:59] for the attorney general [2:16:01] to meet with [2:16:02] with victims [2:16:03] which I support [2:16:04] and I certainly [2:16:05] am hopeful [2:16:06] that he will [2:16:07] and others [2:16:08] will meet with you [2:16:10] yes [2:16:11] so [2:16:12] Sheridan Gorman [2:16:15] and other names [2:16:18] need to be said [2:16:20] and I think [2:16:22] the accountability [2:16:23] that we have in this room [2:16:24] for other people [2:16:25] we should [2:16:25] be able to have it [2:16:27] for this body as well [2:16:28] so I certainly hope [2:16:29] that you get your [2:16:30] face-to-face meeting [2:16:31] that you deserve [2:16:33] I would hope so [2:16:34] we've had several [2:16:35] laws introduced [2:16:38] legislation introduced [2:16:40] in this last session [2:16:41] that have been [2:16:42] completely ignored [2:16:43] and there's [2:16:44] there hasn't been [2:16:45] any way to really [2:16:46] get in and talk [2:16:47] to anybody [2:16:48] especially those [2:16:50] who are opposed [2:16:51] to those [2:16:51] legislations [2:16:52] for whatever reason [2:16:53] well thank you so much [2:16:55] for elevating your voice [2:16:57] Ms. Buzinski [2:17:00] am I saying that right [2:17:01] it's Buzinski [2:17:04] yeah [2:17:04] okay gosh [2:17:05] I'm gonna have to try [2:17:05] I am so sorry [2:17:08] for everything [2:17:09] that you've been through [2:17:10] and thank you [2:17:10] for your courage [2:17:11] for being here today [2:17:13] and being able [2:17:14] to elevate your voice [2:17:15] I completely support [2:17:17] your quest [2:17:18] to be able [2:17:20] to be heard [2:17:21] to obviously [2:17:22] for victims [2:17:23] to be protected [2:17:23] and for us [2:17:25] to pursue [2:17:25] every lead possible [2:17:28] and you know [2:17:29] I do believe [2:17:30] after my conversations [2:17:31] with the assistant [2:17:32] attorney general [2:17:33] that he is going [2:17:35] to pursue those [2:17:35] let me ask you this [2:17:36] did you [2:17:37] were you asked [2:17:38] in the previous administration [2:17:40] did you ever have [2:17:41] an opportunity [2:17:41] to sit down [2:17:43] with the then attorney general [2:17:44] Merrick Garland [2:17:45] we did not [2:17:47] but there are active [2:17:48] investigations going on [2:17:49] because of Gil and Maxwell's hearing [2:17:51] so but did you ever [2:17:53] have a face-to-face [2:17:54] with with him [2:17:54] no [2:17:56] no [2:17:57] did did y'all request [2:17:58] a face-to-face [2:17:59] this was before [2:18:01] a time that I was comfortable [2:18:03] coming forward [2:18:04] it was just this last September [2:18:05] that a group of us felt [2:18:07] like we had met each other [2:18:08] and a huge part of this [2:18:10] has been finding [2:18:11] the collective voice [2:18:12] of a sisterhood [2:18:13] and understanding [2:18:14] that we weren't isolated [2:18:15] in these experiences [2:18:16] absolutely [2:18:17] and let me ask you this [2:18:18] did you [2:18:19] were [2:18:19] was there ever [2:18:20] because I know that my [2:18:21] colleague [2:18:23] Senator Blackburn [2:18:24] really wanted to make sure [2:18:25] that you all had an opportunity [2:18:27] to tell your story [2:18:28] are you aware of any [2:18:31] Senate [2:18:31] hearings that were held [2:18:35] under the previous administration [2:18:36] that tried to [2:18:38] I don't personally have that [2:18:39] information [2:18:39] because again [2:18:41] it just came forward [2:18:42] really in September [2:18:42] well thank you for coming forward [2:18:43] thank you [2:18:44] thank you so much [2:18:45] Mrs. Oyer [2:18:48] obviously [2:18:52] do we have [2:18:53] are you cutting people off [2:18:55] right on time [2:18:56] today [2:18:56] what [2:18:58] are you cutting people off [2:18:59] right on time today [2:19:00] or people getting to go way over [2:19:01] I've been [2:19:02] too liberal [2:19:04] but go ahead [2:19:05] go ahead [2:19:05] and ask one more question [2:19:07] just let me ask one more question [2:19:08] please sir [2:19:09] I appreciate it [2:19:10] after you were [2:19:12] fired from DOJ [2:19:13] you had an independent [2:19:15] media company [2:19:16] and a sub stack [2:19:17] platform [2:19:18] and you had the [2:19:19] you know [2:19:20] lawyer or a [2:19:21] or a brand name [2:19:22] and the the hoodies [2:19:23] that said [2:19:24] hardwired to stand up [2:19:26] to bullies [2:19:27] I'm I'm wondering [2:19:29] you know [2:19:30] it's my understanding [2:19:31] that as a pardon attorney [2:19:33] during the [2:19:34] the Biden administration [2:19:34] you recommended [2:19:35] actual [2:19:36] commutations [2:19:37] for Daniel Troyer [2:19:39] and Ricardo Sanchez Jr. [2:19:41] who were sentenced to death [2:19:42] in 2009 [2:19:43] after executing [2:19:44] a family of four [2:19:45] on the side [2:19:46] of a highway [2:19:47] is that true [2:19:48] ma'am [2:19:49] I think you were not [2:19:50] in the room [2:19:51] when several of your [2:19:52] colleagues asked me [2:19:53] about those [2:19:53] this is my turn [2:19:55] to ask a question [2:19:55] so is that true [2:19:56] what I said then [2:19:57] remains [2:19:58] which is that I'm not [2:19:59] able to talk about [2:20:00] the clemency advice [2:20:01] that I provided [2:20:01] to the White House [2:20:02] because of [2:20:03] well the victims included [2:20:04] a four-year-old [2:20:05] and a three-year-old boy [2:20:06] who died [2:20:07] while cradled [2:20:08] in the arms [2:20:09] of their mother [2:20:09] who was trying [2:20:10] to shield them [2:20:11] those two little boys [2:20:14] were shot 10 times [2:20:15] and their mother [2:20:15] was shot 11 times [2:20:17] and their father [2:20:17] was shot [2:20:18] five times [2:20:19] so I appreciate [2:20:21] the grace [2:20:21] on getting to go over [2:20:22] but that doesn't sound [2:20:23] like to me [2:20:24] that you stand [2:20:25] up to bullies [2:20:26] it sounds like to me [2:20:27] you stand with them [2:20:28] thank you [2:20:29] Senator Blumenthal [2:20:31] thanks Mr. Chairman [2:20:33] I want to thank [2:20:36] all of you [2:20:36] for being here [2:20:37] this day [2:20:41] of the hearings [2:20:42] often gets less [2:20:43] attention [2:20:43] but it is very [2:20:44] important to us [2:20:45] and you are [2:20:47] performing a very [2:20:48] important service [2:20:50] I particularly [2:20:52] want to thank [2:20:52] Ms. Benski [2:20:55] and Ms. Boss [2:20:56] for sharing [2:20:57] your stories [2:20:58] and reliving [2:20:59] a lot of the pain [2:21:01] that you have [2:21:02] been through [2:21:03] Ms. Benski [2:21:06] I don't know [2:21:06] whether you were [2:21:07] here yesterday [2:21:08] when I asked [2:21:10] Acting Attorney General [2:21:14] Blanche [2:21:15] to apologize [2:21:16] and I'd just [2:21:19] be interested [2:21:19] in your reaction [2:21:20] to his response [2:21:21] yeah I think [2:21:23] it was the most [2:21:23] that we've gotten [2:21:24] from him [2:21:24] and that was a moment [2:21:26] where there was [2:21:27] a touch of humanity [2:21:29] to say that [2:21:30] we do understand [2:21:31] that there was [2:21:31] in fact failure here [2:21:32] because he's been [2:21:33] on the record [2:21:34] multiple times [2:21:34] saying that nothing [2:21:35] was mishandled [2:21:36] and as a survivor [2:21:38] who literally [2:21:40] saw nude images [2:21:41] of you know [2:21:42] friends [2:21:43] and had my own [2:21:44] information exposed [2:21:45] all over the place [2:21:46] you know [2:21:48] to tell the world [2:21:50] that this had not [2:21:51] been mishandled [2:21:52] was just so [2:21:53] absolutely egregious [2:21:55] like anybody [2:21:56] from here to Mars [2:21:57] no matter what [2:21:58] political affiliation [2:21:59] you're with [2:22:00] can see that like [2:22:01] your government [2:22:01] should not be [2:22:02] you know [2:22:02] sending out nude photos [2:22:04] of you [2:22:04] obviously [2:22:05] yeah thank you [2:22:07] thank you [2:22:08] very well said [2:22:10] let me [2:22:11] let me ask you [2:22:11] a general question [2:22:12] and you don't have [2:22:16] to give me [2:22:16] an exhaustive answer [2:22:18] today [2:22:20] and I know [2:22:21] there are others [2:22:21] in the room [2:22:22] who may want [2:22:23] to answer this [2:22:24] question as well [2:22:24] but what should [2:22:25] we demand [2:22:26] of the Department [2:22:27] of Justice [2:22:27] to make things [2:22:31] right [2:22:31] to make things [2:22:32] better [2:22:32] yeah [2:22:32] we've always [2:22:34] just been looking [2:22:34] for accountability [2:22:35] and for this case [2:22:37] to be handled [2:22:37] correctly [2:22:38] because [2:22:38] even from the [2:22:40] very start [2:22:40] of this case [2:22:41] we have not [2:22:42] seen it handled [2:22:43] the way [2:22:44] anybody would [2:22:45] normally prosecute [2:22:46] something [2:22:46] so we are looking [2:22:48] to get to the bottom [2:22:49] of why our perpetrators [2:22:51] were never held [2:22:51] to account [2:22:52] how does [2:22:53] the largest [2:22:54] sex trafficking ring [2:22:55] in this country [2:22:57] exist [2:22:58] when only [2:22:59] two people [2:23:00] have been found [2:23:00] even remotely [2:23:01] I mean [2:23:02] Epstein's dead [2:23:02] but Maxwell [2:23:03] is the only one [2:23:04] who has been held [2:23:05] to any sort of account [2:23:06] and she's in a lower [2:23:07] you know [2:23:08] a lower security [2:23:09] penitentiary [2:23:10] at this point [2:23:10] so [2:23:11] you know [2:23:12] we [2:23:12] I think [2:23:13] we are [2:23:13] we are owed answers [2:23:14] and we are owed [2:23:15] you know [2:23:16] justice for us [2:23:17] we get that question [2:23:17] a lot [2:23:18] of what does [2:23:18] justice look like [2:23:19] I think [2:23:20] yes the culture shift [2:23:21] is part of it [2:23:22] but really [2:23:23] like having your [2:23:24] government stand up [2:23:25] for you [2:23:25] and stand up [2:23:26] for what's right [2:23:27] and [2:23:27] you know [2:23:29] there's [2:23:29] there's a chilling [2:23:30] effect [2:23:30] that it sends [2:23:31] to survivors [2:23:31] everywhere [2:23:32] when their government [2:23:34] is outing [2:23:34] their personal [2:23:35] information [2:23:36] other survivors [2:23:37] are not going [2:23:37] to want to come [2:23:38] forward [2:23:38] right [2:23:39] and so [2:23:39] we need to make [2:23:40] sure that we [2:23:41] are getting [2:23:42] all the information [2:23:43] with these cases [2:23:44] so I think [2:23:45] we really just hope [2:23:48] that the government [2:23:48] will take it seriously [2:23:49] and start investigations [2:23:50] accountability [2:23:51] accountability [2:23:52] yeah always [2:23:53] and I think [2:23:56] a working hypothesis [2:23:57] here is that [2:23:58] accountability [2:23:59] is difficult [2:24:00] when rich [2:24:00] and powerful [2:24:01] people [2:24:01] are potentially [2:24:02] it's always been [2:24:04] the vulnerable [2:24:05] versus power [2:24:06] for this case [2:24:07] for most sex trafficking [2:24:08] cases [2:24:08] or all sex trafficking [2:24:09] cases really [2:24:10] and it is about [2:24:12] how the powerful [2:24:13] consistently exploit [2:24:14] the vulnerable [2:24:15] and that is what [2:24:16] we see a lot [2:24:17] I mean [2:24:18] I have a six-year-old son [2:24:19] and I teach him [2:24:20] that accountability [2:24:20] matters every single day [2:24:22] and I hold him [2:24:24] to account [2:24:24] why can't we hold [2:24:25] our government [2:24:26] to account [2:24:26] well [2:24:27] I will just say [2:24:29] your voice [2:24:32] and face [2:24:33] has been [2:24:34] a very powerful [2:24:35] antidote [2:24:36] thank you [2:24:37] to the wealth [2:24:38] and power [2:24:38] that may be brought [2:24:40] to bear here [2:24:41] and I hope that [2:24:42] this forum [2:24:43] will encourage you [2:24:44] and others [2:24:45] to come forward [2:24:46] as you've done [2:24:46] so courageously [2:24:47] thank you so much [2:24:48] yeah I do also [2:24:49] want to mention [2:24:50] that Virginia Jaffray [2:24:51] has been monumental [2:24:53] in all this [2:24:53] and I think it would be [2:24:55] unfair to not name her [2:24:57] because her deposition [2:24:57] holds the key [2:24:58] to quite a few things [2:25:00] so if you started [2:25:01] her deposition [2:25:02] you can start [2:25:03] really investigating [2:25:04] thank you [2:25:06] Ms. Oyer [2:25:07] I want to ask you [2:25:10] I want to ask you [2:25:10] about the pardon [2:25:13] that I mentioned [2:25:14] yesterday [2:25:14] I asked Todd Blanche [2:25:16] about it [2:25:17] David Gentile [2:25:18] sentenced to seven years [2:25:21] for a multi-million dollar [2:25:23] fraud scheme [2:25:24] that involved [2:25:29] a seven year sentence [2:25:30] he served 12 days [2:25:31] of it [2:25:32] before he was [2:25:33] pardoned [2:25:36] he boasted [2:25:37] to his fellow inmates [2:25:39] that he was going [2:25:39] to pay 2.5 million dollars [2:25:41] to someone [2:25:43] to get him out [2:25:44] Father Frank Mann [2:25:48] told one of his [2:25:50] parishioners [2:25:51] that he had talked [2:25:53] to President Trump [2:25:54] to get David Gentile [2:25:56] out of prison [2:25:57] these are facts [2:25:59] that have been [2:25:59] publicly reported [2:26:00] the investigation [2:26:02] into the potential [2:26:03] impropriety [2:26:05] of this pardon [2:26:06] was shut down [2:26:09] allegedly [2:26:09] by high officials [2:26:12] in the Department of Justice [2:26:13] talking to the [2:26:15] U.S. Attorney [2:26:16] in the Southern District [2:26:17] of New York [2:26:17] Joe Nacella [2:26:19] I know you're not [2:26:20] familiar with [2:26:21] the facts [2:26:22] I'm not going to ask you [2:26:23] whether you believe [2:26:25] that that reporting [2:26:27] is true [2:26:28] Mr. Blanche [2:26:30] never denied it [2:26:31] he basically said [2:26:33] well it was a leak [2:26:34] sometimes leaks [2:26:35] actually involve [2:26:37] truthful information [2:26:38] but the point [2:26:40] that I think [2:26:40] is lost here [2:26:41] is that that pardon [2:26:43] involved [2:26:44] 16 million dollars [2:26:46] in forfeiture [2:26:48] to innocent victims [2:26:50] many of them [2:26:52] retirees [2:26:53] who were depending [2:26:54] on that money [2:26:55] to survive [2:26:56] and he will [2:26:58] no longer be required [2:26:59] to do restitution [2:27:01] so his ill-gotten gains [2:27:05] some of which [2:27:07] he may have used [2:27:08] to pay for [2:27:10] his clemency [2:27:11] so to speak [2:27:13] are not going to go [2:27:16] back to the people [2:27:17] who were cheated [2:27:18] his victim [2:27:19] as a result of that [2:27:21] pardon [2:27:21] and clemency [2:27:24] so I guess [2:27:26] my question [2:27:27] to you [2:27:28] with this [2:27:29] introduction [2:27:31] is essentially [2:27:33] are victims [2:27:35] and survivors [2:27:36] often [2:27:37] re-victimized [2:27:38] by pardons [2:27:40] that are unjust [2:27:42] or unfair [2:27:43] to them [2:27:44] and shouldn't [2:27:45] we have them [2:27:46] given a voice [2:27:48] and recognize [2:27:50] the constitution [2:27:51] gives the president [2:27:52] unlimited authority [2:27:54] and it's one of those [2:27:55] powers that's unchecked [2:27:56] rarely [2:27:57] but isn't there [2:27:59] a need to give [2:28:00] the victims [2:28:01] a voice [2:28:01] in this process [2:28:02] yes senator [2:28:04] the millions of dollars [2:28:05] that Mr. Gentile [2:28:06] stole from his investors [2:28:08] unfortunately [2:28:08] are a drop [2:28:09] in the bucket [2:28:10] of the restitution [2:28:11] that victims [2:28:12] have been deprived of [2:28:13] as a result [2:28:14] of President Trump's pardons [2:28:15] he has forgiven [2:28:16] over a billion dollars [2:28:18] in restitution [2:28:19] that is owed [2:28:20] to victims of fraud [2:28:21] as well as money [2:28:22] that is owed [2:28:23] to taxpayers [2:28:23] by people [2:28:24] who committed [2:28:25] white collar crimes [2:28:26] and who have served [2:28:27] in many cases [2:28:28] none of their sentence [2:28:29] and repaid [2:28:29] none of their money [2:28:30] that is not consistent [2:28:32] with the regulations [2:28:33] that the Justice Department [2:28:34] has in place [2:28:35] for evaluating [2:28:36] applications for pardons [2:28:37] the Justice Department [2:28:39] historically has looked [2:28:40] to see that people [2:28:40] have repaid their debts [2:28:42] before recommending clemency [2:28:44] but this president [2:28:45] is using clemency [2:28:46] in a strategic [2:28:48] transactional way [2:28:49] to forgive huge amounts [2:28:51] of debts owed to taxpayers [2:28:52] and crime victims [2:28:53] Senator Durbin [2:28:54] Mr. Chairman [2:28:56] in closing here [2:28:58] I would like to make [2:28:59] a couple points [2:29:01] please do [2:29:02] first I understand [2:29:03] that the senator [2:29:04] from Alabama [2:29:04] mentioned my name [2:29:06] while I had stepped out [2:29:07] Ms. Boss [2:29:09] anxious to meet with you [2:29:10] I hope we can do it soon [2:29:12] maybe even right after this [2:29:14] because I didn't know [2:29:15] it was a hardship [2:29:16] for you to make [2:29:17] this journey here [2:29:18] testify [2:29:19] from Illinois [2:29:21] and I don't want you [2:29:22] to have to wait [2:29:23] to see me [2:29:24] I want to meet [2:29:25] with you now [2:29:26] and we can talk [2:29:28] as soon as this meeting [2:29:29] adjourns if it's okay [2:29:30] with you [2:29:30] if it fits in your schedule [2:29:32] let me say a word [2:29:35] about Ms. Sawyer [2:29:36] I'm glad that [2:29:38] the senator from New Jersey [2:29:39] said what he did [2:29:40] about you [2:29:41] I believe [2:29:44] the fact of the matter [2:29:45] is that most of the things [2:29:46] that were brought up today [2:29:48] in this hearing [2:29:50] about your activity [2:29:51] related to a decision [2:29:53] by the Biden administration [2:29:54] as they were leaving office [2:29:56] to turn death penalty [2:29:59] convictions [2:30:01] into life imprisonment instead [2:30:04] is that correct? [2:30:08] That's right sir [2:30:09] That reflects [2:30:10] I'll say this [2:30:12] you don't have to comment on this [2:30:13] I believe that reflects [2:30:15] President Joe Biden's [2:30:17] opposition to the death penalty [2:30:19] I share that opposition [2:30:21] there are people in the audience [2:30:23] who agree with me [2:30:24] and some who vehemently [2:30:26] disagree with me [2:30:26] but America is divided [2:30:28] on this issue [2:30:29] I didn't have this position [2:30:31] my entire political career [2:30:33] but toward the end of it [2:30:34] I've come to the conclusion [2:30:35] as Justice Blackmun did [2:30:37] at the end of his conclusion [2:30:38] of serving on the Supreme Court [2:30:40] that he no longer wants to tinker [2:30:42] with the machinery of death [2:30:43] the fact of the matter is [2:30:45] there are clear cases [2:30:46] where one can argue [2:30:48] a death penalty [2:30:49] and there are cases [2:30:50] which we have found [2:30:51] were wrongly decided [2:30:52] and people [2:30:53] faced a death penalty [2:30:55] or worse [2:30:56] until evidence [2:30:57] and other things [2:30:58] were discovered [2:30:59] at the end [2:30:59] that is my position [2:31:02] that was Joe Biden's position [2:31:04] that's why the cases [2:31:05] which were brought up today [2:31:07] are so serious [2:31:08] and I believe [2:31:10] that you were doing [2:31:11] your job [2:31:11] as a pardon attorney [2:31:12] to advise him [2:31:14] as to his decision [2:31:16] but is it not true [2:31:17] that the final decision [2:31:18] on the disposition [2:31:20] of these inmates [2:31:22] was the decision [2:31:23] of the President [2:31:24] of the United States? [2:31:24] that's absolutely correct [2:31:26] Senator [2:31:27] so if you want to take [2:31:29] exception to Joe Biden [2:31:30] and his position [2:31:31] be my guest [2:31:32] but to blame you [2:31:33] for those [2:31:33] I think goes beyond [2:31:35] your responsibility [2:31:37] as pardon attorney [2:31:38] and I would just say [2:31:40] I know the controversy [2:31:41] behind this issue [2:31:42] but I feel that [2:31:44] that's what led him [2:31:45] to his conclusion [2:31:46] Ms. Benske [2:31:48] thank you [2:31:49] for bringing your friends [2:31:50] with you today [2:31:51] it is great to see them [2:31:52] and I hope [2:31:53] that what you heard [2:31:55] from Senator Tillis [2:31:56] is a promising possibility [2:31:59] that he said [2:32:00] he would not [2:32:00] I hope I'm saying [2:32:01] this correctly [2:32:02] he wouldn't vote [2:32:03] to confirm [2:32:04] this nomination [2:32:05] until there's been [2:32:07] an actual meeting [2:32:08] that would be [2:32:10] a dramatic [2:32:10] work of progress [2:32:12] for us to reach [2:32:13] that point [2:32:14] and because you have [2:32:15] the courage [2:32:15] to stand up [2:32:16] not only you [2:32:17] but your friends [2:32:18] we have achieved [2:32:20] that I believe [2:32:20] I hope [2:32:21] that's the fact [2:32:22] thank you Mr. Chairman [2:32:24] thanks to all [2:32:26] of our witnesses [2:32:27] for being here today [2:32:29] and for traveling [2:32:30] the long distances [2:32:32] some of you [2:32:33] have had to go [2:32:34] we're grateful [2:32:35] that you did it [2:32:36] for all the members [2:32:38] of this committee [2:32:39] written questions [2:32:40] to these witnesses [2:32:42] here [2:32:42] are due on Wednesday [2:32:45] July 22 [2:32:46] this year [2:32:47] at 5 p.m. [2:32:49] the hearing [2:32:50] is adjourned