Following contentious debate and a close vote, the U.S. Senate yesterday confirmed U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as attorney general of the United States.
The final Senate vote was 52-47, mostly along party lines, with one senator voting “present.” Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin voted with Republicans.
Sessions was President Donald Trump’s first choice for the position and was backed by the National Rifle Association for his strong support of the Second Amendment and dedication to vigorously prosecuting violent criminals.
“I do believe the Second Amendment is a personal right, it’s a historic right of the American people …” Session had said during his confirmation hearing. “It’s just as much a part of the Constitution as any of the other great rights and liberties that we value.”
Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, praised the Senate for staying the course and confirming Sessions.“He will make America a safer place by prosecuting violent criminals while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners.” — Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA executive director.
“The NRA and our 5 million members would like to congratulate Jeff Sessions on his confirmation as attorney general,” Cox said. “He will make America a safer place by prosecuting violent criminals while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners."
Earlier in the week, debate over Sessions became so contentions that Republicans in the Senate voted Tuesday night to rebuke Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for a speech opposing Sessions, striking down her words for impugning the Alabama senator’s character. “The senator has impugned the motives and conduct of our colleague from Alabama,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, setting up a series of roll-call votes on Warren’s conduct.
In the end, Trump’s nomination won confirmation, just as all of his other nominations have. The long-term effects of Sessions running the Justice Department will be fairer treatment for law-abiding gun owners and increased prosecution of violent criminals—a true win-win.
Mark Chesnut has been the editor of America’s 1st Freedom magazine for nearly 17 years and is an avid hunter, shooter and political observer.
