Senate minority leader announces he will vote against Sessions

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Thursday that he will vote against the confirmation of Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general.

Becoming the highest-ranking Democratic leader to speak out against Sessions, Schumer said in a statement: "I am not confident in Senator Sessions' ability to be a defender of the rights of all Americans, or to serve as an independent check on the incoming administration."

Focusing on civil rights, Schumer added: "I am also deeply concerned by his views on immigration, which I saw firsthand during the push for comprehensive immigration reform. For those reasons, I will oppose his nomination to serve as the next attorney general."

His full statement read:

After reviewing his record and giving careful consideration to his answers during the hearing, I am not confident in Senator Sessions’ ability to be a defender of the rights of all Americans, or to serve as an independent check on the incoming administration. I am also deeply concerned by his views on immigration, which I saw firsthand during the push for comprehensive immigration reform. For those reasons, I will oppose his nomination to serve as the next attorney general.

Schumer further explained his decision on Twitter, again expressing concern about Sessions' ability to protect all Americans and uphold the Constitution.

The Attorney General has a sacred obligation to enforce our laws & uphold the constitution.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017

The AG must wake up each day ensuring rights of all Americans immigrant, minority, young, old, gay, straight, disabled & not are protected.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017

The AG ensures that POTUS & the Admin's policies adhere to American values& ideals & is a check to ensure the President is not above the law

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017

I am not confident in Sen Sessions' ability to defend the rights of all Americans, or to serve as indep. check on the next administration.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017

Although GOP leaders have been able to effectively refute allegations of racial bias, Democrats involved in Sessions' confirmation hearings have hammered Sessions on his alleged history of racist actions.

No Republicans are expected to vote against Sessions, and his confirmation is positioned to go through smoothly despite Democratic opposition.

(H/T: CNN)