Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and nine other senators are calling for the immediate termination of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, alleging that she lied to Congress under oath.
The senators assert that Clarke, who serves under Attorney General Merrick Garland, committed perjury during her Senate confirmation by concealing a past arrest, as Breitbart reports.
They claim Clarke provided false testimony about a 2006 arrest during her confirmation hearing in 2021.
Clarke, who serves in Garland's Justice Department, allegedly denied ever being arrested or accused of committing a violent crime.
“During her nomination to her current role, Ms. Clarke was asked if she had ‘ever been arrested for or accused of committing a violent crime against any person.’” Cotton and his colleagues stated in their letter. Clarke's unambiguous response under oath was a firm "No," which is now being challenged. Senators claim Clarke's statement was false and that she sought to cover it up.
The 2006 arrest Clarke is accused of concealing involved her allegedly attacking and injuring someone with a knife. Cotton and his cosigners argue that Clarke's recent admission to the incident validates their claims of perjury. Clarke reportedly contacted the victim, alongside her publicist, to suppress the truth before the full Senate vote on her nomination.
In May, Clarke gave an exclusive statement to CNN, acknowledging the 2006 arrest but contending she was not obliged to disclose it because it had been expunged. Expungement typically involves obliterating or sealing legal records, thereby obstructing public access. Cotton and his cosigners remained unconvinced, stressing that lying to Congress constitutes a felony.
Cotton referred to Garland's prior proclamations about the Department of Justice's commitment to the rule of law and integrity. The letter presses hard on the notion that Clarke fails to meet these standards in light of the revelation. Citing Garland's own words against him, Cotton wrote: “The integrity of our legal system is premised on adherence to the rule of law. In order to have confidence in our Department and in everything that we do.”
This is not the first time Garland finds himself under rigorous scrutiny. The House previously held him in contempt for his refusal to comply with Congressional subpoenas. Cotton and his co-signers view the situation involving Clarke as the latest threat to the Department’s credibility.
Besides Cotton, the letter demanding Clarke's removal was co-signed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chuck Grassley (R-IO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Collectively, these lawmakers emphasize that Clarke's actions undermine the principles of justice she represents.
“Ms. Clarke has now admitted that she was arrested in 2006 for attacking and injuring someone with a knife. It has also recently come to light that, shortly before the full Senate voted on her nomination, Ms. Clarke and her publicist contacted the man she attacked in an attempt to cover up her false testimony,” the senators wrote.
The senators' insistence on Clarke's firing emphasizes the complexity and gravity of the situation. They see it as imperative to maintaining the trust and integrity of the Department of Justice. With Garland's past legal troubles with Congress adding to the tension, the demand for Clarke’s dismissal is notably high stakes.
In conclusion, Cotton and his colleagues allege that Clarke lied about a 2006 arrest during her Senate confirmation hearing. The accusation holds that Clarke committed perjury, a felony, by denying a violent incident. Kristen Clarke later admitted to the arrest, contending her expunged record negated the requirement to disclose it. Senators now press Attorney General Merrick Garland to fire Clarke, citing the need to uphold the Department's integrity.
