The Senate Judiciary Committee today announced that it will meet next Tuesday to consider Michael Mukasey's nomination for attorney general.
Mukasey, nominated Sept. 17 by President George W. Bush to replace former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, has run into opposition from several senators for his stance on torture techniques and presidential powers.
His refusal to categorically denounce the interrogation practice known as waterboarding and other answers to written questions submitted after his Oct. 17-18 confirmation hearings have not satisfied most lawmakers. Here are letters and documents released by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Mukasey.
Some Democrats have said they will vote against confirming him, but it's unclear how many will do so.
"I am sorry to impose this additional burden during a very busy time for all Senators, and I thank them for their cooperation," said committee chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) at a hearing this morning. "My hope is that by scheduling the consideration for next Tuesday, Senators will have an opportunity to consider the recently received written responses from the nominee and will be prepared to debate the nomination and vote."
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