WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee approved William Barr's nomination for attorney general along party lines Thursday, with Republicans praising his credentials and Democrats questioning how transparent he'll be once special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation concludes. Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, would succeed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was pushed out by Trump last year over the president's anger that he had recused from the Russia investigation. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is currently filling the position. Barr has said he will be as transparent as possible under Justice Department regulations, but many Democrats are skeptical. "This is not the time to install an attorney general who has repeatedly espoused a view of unfettered executive power," Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said Thursday.

Source: Economic Times February 07, 2019 18:22 UTC