NPR reports Sen. Mike Lee and Attorney General William Barr had a “shouting match” over the nomination of Jessie Liu to a top slot at the Justice Department.
Liu withdrew her nomination to the No. 3 slot at the Justice Department after Lee raised concerns about her previous affiliation with the National Association of Women Lawyers, which sent a letter opposing Justice Samuel Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court. There were also questions about Liu’s stance on reproductive rights as conservatives worried she would not support restrictions on abortion.
Two sources told NPR that the attorney general got into a “shouting match” with Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee, a key figure in opposing Liu’s bid. A spokeswoman for Barr declined comment on the heated conversation with a lawmaker from his own political party. For his part, Barr issued a statement filled with praise for Liu and insisting, “We will all benefit from her universally-regarded expertise and dedication to public service” in her role as an adviser to him.
Four lawyers familiar with the matter said the stumbling block for Liu was a broader concern about her conservatism — specifically, her stance on women’s reproductive rights. Interest groups had begun drafting letters to senators about their fears that Liu would not support restrictions on abortion. Another key factor: Earlier in her career, Liu had an affiliation with the National Association of Women Lawyers, which sent a letter opposing the nomination of Justice Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
Sen. Lee clerked for Justice Alito when he was a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit and after Alito was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. Alito’s son works for a Senate subcommittee chaired by Lee.
