Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) noting that the required nomination materials for Senator Jeff Sessions are incomplete and calling for more time to review his “voluminous” record.

Feinstein also noted that past nominations have required extensive materials from third parties and called on Chairman Grassley to allow enough time to acquire and review those documents.

Full text of the letter follows:

December 9, 2016

Dear Chairman Grassley,

Thank you for your call this evening regarding the nomination of Senator Sessions for Attorney General and timing of his hearings next Congress.

During our conversation you indicated a desire to begin the hearings on January 10th. Prior to this call, I have repeatedly stressed the need to obtain a full record as well as time to review the documents.

While I recognize the history of timing between receiving documents and holding a hearing, unfortunately, the records we had received as of 8:10 p.m. Friday night were not complete. For example, documents responsive to the question 12(d) requiring the production of all speeches or talks that he has delivered were not delivered. We anticipate these documents will be voluminous.

In addition, there may be relevant material in the possession of third parties. As you know, during the consideration of Attorney General Holder’s nomination, materials were sought from other sources – including the Clinton Presidential Library and Department of Justice – to assess Attorney General Holder’s record.

I am more than happy to abide by the precedent of having the time run on when to have a hearing as soon as the production of materials is complete. In order to have a full and fair process, we must have all the documents responsive to the Committee questionnaire. I intend to engage in that process fully, along with the current Ranking Member, and urge that we are able to have the time needed to perform our due diligence.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein

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