Sen. Hirono Questions Judicial Nominees on Corruption Allegations

Judicial Nominee Fitness Questions

• 💡 Senator Hirono began by asking nominees foundational questions to gauge their fitness for service.
• ✅ Nominees were asked if they had ever made unwanted sexual requests, committed harassment, or assault of a sexual nature, to which all responded "No."
• ⚠️ They were also asked if they had faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to such conduct, and all responded "No."

Public Integrity and Corruption

• 🎯 Mr. Duva, if confirmed, would oversee the Department of Justice's public integrity section, which targets corruption.
• ❓ When asked if accepting $50,000 cash for future government contracts would be a sign of bribery, Mr. Duva stated it depends on the facts and law, referencing a declined investigation.
• ✈️ Regarding a foreign government donating a $400 million airplane to a member of government, Mr. Duva deferred, calling it an "Office of Legal Policy question" and not something the criminal division would weigh in on.
• 🏗️ When questioned about big tech billionaires funding the construction of a new government building, Mr. Duva stated unfamiliarity with the specific incident but acknowledged awareness of the demolition and ballroom construction.

Campaign Contributions and Recusal

• 🛢️ Justice Crane was questioned about donations from "big oil" and industry groups to his 2019 Louisiana Supreme Court campaign.
• 🤷 Mr. Crane stated he did not know who contributed because campaign contributions go through a committee he is prohibited from soliciting or participating in.
• ⚖️ Senator Hirono raised concerns that if he doesn't know who contributes, he wouldn't know to recuse himself from matters related to those entities.
• 📉 It was noted that Justice Crane dissented from a majority decision to support the oil and gas industry in a case before the Louisiana Supreme Court.