The confirmation hearing for Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi commenced as a standard procedure but quickly transformed into a heated debate with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). During the exchange, Bondi highlighted Schiff’s previous censure by Congress. Schiff inquired about Bondi’s hypothetical handling of cases and her stance on pardons, leading to an increasingly charged atmosphere. Central to their disagreement was Schiff’s inquiry into potential investigations and the management of presidential pardons.
“Will your recommendation to the President be: ‘No, Mr. President. I must evaluate each case individually. Please refrain from issuing blanket pardons’?” Schiff pressed at the outset of the hearing. Bondi responded, “Senator, I have not reviewed any of those files. If confirmed, I will examine the files related to pardons as well as the ongoing investigations.”
Schiff continued to challenge Bondi, questioning her capacity to manage the workload. “Will you be able to assess hundreds of cases from day one?” he queried. Bondi replied, “I will review every file I am instructed to examine,” and added firmly, “I will not mislead this committee, nor you.” The discussion took a more personal turn when Bondi brought up Schiff’s censure by Congress. “You were censured by Congress, Senator, for making comments like these that are so irresponsible!” she asserted, clearly striking a nerve.
The tension escalated further as Schiff redirected his attention to the investigation involving Liz Cheney. The former Representative faces allegations of witness tampering related to her role on the January 6 Committee. A subcommittee led by Republicans has alleged that she communicated with witness Cassidy Hutchinson through encrypted applications, circumventing her attorney. The panel has called for the FBI to investigate possible legal infractions. Cheney has denied the allegations, labeling them as false and politically motivated to shield Donald Trump. The FBI has yet to confirm whether it will pursue the recommendations.
Schiff inquired, “I would like to know if you are aware of any factual basis for investigating Liz Cheney while you are here today.” In response, Bondi shifted the focus to California’s crime statistics, stating, “Senator, no one has requested that I investigate Liz Cheney. That is merely a hypothetical scenario. Currently, the crime rate in California is alarmingly high, with robberies exceeding the national average by 87%. My priority, should I be confirmed as Attorney General, is to address this issue.” Her assertive replies and ability to withstand Schiff’s probing questions resonated positively with the Republican senators present. The hearing highlighted Bondi’s confrontational approach and her readiness to challenge Democratic opponents, a trait her supporters believe is essential for the position of the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
In November, after his electoral success, President-elect Trump put forward Bondi’s name for the role of U.S. Attorney General, replacing his initial nominee, Matt Gaetz, who resigned amid various controversies. Bondi’s nomination has garnered support from over 100 former officials of the Justice Department, who have urged the Senate to confirm her.
They emphasize her commitment to upholding the rule of law and her established track record during her time as Florida’s Attorney General.
