Transcripts For CSPAN2 Asst. 20240705

This fall in Maryland Democratic primary is may 14 and a reminder all congressional news was csp now free mobile video app and watch house and senat floor debates, speeches hearings is born cspan now, wherever you get to ramp. The assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division houston park testifies now before us judiciary subcommittee and talks about the in hate crimes the u. S. Rejects claims of political bias in her department [background sounds]. The subcommittee will come to order and the chairs authorized to declare recess anytime and we welcome everyone todays hearing of the department of justice Civil Rights Division and with that we will have the pledge of allegiance with the gentleman from arizona leading is in the pledge of allegiance. Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, to the republic for which it stands one nation under god indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Without objection are calling from arizona will be able to process that hearing for purpose of questioning and if a member yields in time for that purpose level recognize myself earn Opening Statement. And i think our witness for being here today to Rise Division responsible for the enforcement of civil rights statute enacted by congress and related constitutional guarantees this an issue near and dear to my heart and i in previous life served in the department of justice having served as special of the United States attorneys astute and the district of texas my job there is when is michael is no is equally enforce law. My grandfather was a chief of police in sweetwater texas and his job was equally enforce the law grandmother with is thehe first woman elected county clerk and la county texas as my grandfather passed away from cancer my dad was 70 years old and her job was to enforce the wall pretty justices look must follow the facts, they may take us pretty like all components of the Justice Department Civil Rights Division is expected to do the same equally enforce the law have virtually the Biden Administration, this is not always been the case pretty Civil Rights Division and site work for example of those charged with protecting us and Police Departments, and often harassing these departments to the point they cannot do their jobs. Theres been a series of investigations in the phoenix mount vernon new york, Louisiana State Police New York City Police Department special Victims Division Maryland Department of state police, massachusetts Police Department Memphis Police new jersey and mississippi. S, eleven times of the last few years, we have seen a significant disparity a few examples of how the doj Civil Rights Division is targeted those to protect our communities about the singer not circumstances meriting review. But in the midst of rising crime, putting Police Recruiting open borders mountains of fentanyl, doj is provided 40s entered small to midsize Police Departments and under president biden, deirdres open 11 back his investigation of the Police Departments throughout the country theress just one of te Previous Administration and combineded with fairly radical views of louisville talk about with defining the police in the past which raises concerns about the intent of such investigations especially in a time when police or demoralize following the defund the Police Movement in the crime wave that is followed in the divisions activities of also too often amounted to using the law to advantage or disadvantage certain states and individuals resemble the freedom of access to clinic interest ofhr base act and threats of force obstruction of Property Damage intended to interfere with Reproductive Health Care Services in this law protects the Abortion Centers and houses of worship alike. And how are the divisions prosecutions of the pesach show significant bias for prosecuting these violations involving abortion clinics really situation involving charge of the base act protecting zeus on from belligerent abortion activist and a may 2nd 2022 a draft copy Supreme Court Division Decision Health Organizations to the press and is leaking gave rise to widespread demonstrations and attacks on prolifes facilities in fact following week 100 facilities were vandalized or damaged including bipartisan enter and 18 catholic churches have beened attacked since the dogs decision was leaked according to catholic voters and according to Family Research council there were 57 perverse next of hostility against churcheses from january 22 throh september of 22 and in the First Quarter of 23, the fiscal 23 there were 69 incidence of hostility towards the churches and in the face of this increase he would expose Civil Rights Division to step up and protect the civil rights of these americans but there were not an in 2022 the part of our 26 prosecutions ofbu the face, allf them involve the legends of abortion is incident 23, the department of his identified one prosecution of four individuals in florida is pretty prayed to the threat of a Pregnancy Resource Centers and state this was the first time in American History that the face act was using his pro abortion protesters have predict illustrated by other activities of the division in 2020 when the department lawsuit is aen statef georgia law enacted denying bridging the right of black georgians to vote on a count on bracer the problem is just not true the courts decision in the case today will rule that out recently the court abused to block several positions of the law withfu litigation continues notably the court found the department is not shown any of the provisions have an impact on n black voters by selling the facts on the ground do not match the allegations in the ildepartments lawsuit predict Te Department is devoting resources politically motivated lawsuit is missing in action Constitutional Rights are violated in september of this year from the mexico governor Michelle Gresham issued a Public Health order banning the otherwise awful caring of a asserted jurisdiction in the state this was clearly unconstitutional the second the 14th of them is in the Supreme Court that justified the violation of american rights of the Civil Rights Division was a were to be found avid department had to bring a lawsuit to overturn the Order Division failed to follow statement of interest to protect american Second Amendment rights and more easily than Civil Rights Department appears to be standing idly by when Jewish Americans have a civil rights violated by radical pro Palestinian Protesters and since moss a cowardly october 7th attack which murdered innocent israelis raped women coming kidnapped babies, antisemitism reared its head and working College Campuses throughout major American Cities and justice we can pro Palestinian Protesters in philadelphia outside of jewish owned restaurant with location was a mile away from Independence Hall the declaration of independence was signed division was nonpartisan second race for the consumer i would know theres an ongoing antisemitic threats and violence for the west. Antisemites pray jewish schools and tax on present so minnelli investigated as a hate crime in Burbank Police search for suspect is spraypainted swastikas and synagogues and jewish Enter University of florida, vandalized antisemitic graffiti cornell cancel classes after student christopher antisemitic threats of murder and rape of investigating after synagogue dissuade withcl anti israel semitic fee and that is eight Evelyn Charlie pages of examples antisemitic acts the week of october 7th ended his notable notable, that there has been basically silence. His true the most return protect the lives of all americans not just once a favor i look forward to hear how that will happen now recognize Ranking Member gentleman from pennsylvania. Pennsylvania ms. Scanlon for her Opening Statement. Thank you. Assistant attorney general clark, i want to welcome you to the Judiciary Committee and this very important oversight hearing to help the committee and the American Public understand the Critical Role that the Civil Rights Division of the department of justice plays in protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all americans. This hearing is particularly important since your predecessor refused the committees request for an oversight hearing amidst the Trump Administrations efforts to weaponize the department of justice in a way that w in a way that was unprecedented, under the administration we saw the leadership acting as the president personal attorneys repeating election disinformation, withdrawing support for Voting Rights another civil Rights Enforcement in reverse on decades ofre worko ensure that Law Enforcement agencies protect the rights of all americans. Under the administration we saw the normalization of hate speech, chaos and Political Violence which is tearing apart so many of our communities today thats why its so important that we understand the Critical Role of the department of justice civil rightsba divisionn combating civil rights violation in securing our fundamental freedom and what Congress Needs to do to support that mission at this time. And remembering that congress created the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to protect the Voting Rights of black americans and other minorities, the very genesis of the Civil Rights Division was rooted in the federal effort to protect Voting Rights and reflect the belief in a democracy the right to vote as a foundation on which all of the rights and freedoms ultimately rest v, these core civil rights and freedoms to cast a vote in a free and Fair Election regardless of race, the right to be free from discrimination in employment, housingusro and education and the right to be free from violence based on hate. I look forward at the Civil Rights Division has renewed its commitment to the principles under the current leadership. Under the Trump Administration we sell the civil rights advocates responsibility enforcement Voting Rights another civil rights protection for important to see a renewed division on vigorous civil Rights Enforcement. Understanding the right to cast a vote in a free and Fair Election is a foundation of alll rights. I appreciate the renewed focus on Voting Rights taking accented gioverreporting Voting Rights sense january 2021 ranging from voting related enforcement to filing statements of interest in private Enforcement Actions including pennsylvania. We continue to meet vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights act as we seen a tsunami of restrictive voting and laws enacted by state over the past three years with the potential to impact the 2024 election. Of course much of the legislative activity stems from the Supreme Court erosion of the Voting Rights act of 1965 through a series of Jeff Sessions beginning with Shelby County versus holder and continuing with the Democratic National committee. These decisions made it harder and more resource intensive for the Civil Rights Division and other Voting Rights plaintiffs to prevail in enforcement action, there is a solutionn of course, that is Congress Must act and respond to the misguided decisions by reauthorizing the Voting Rights act and updating the guardrails of our democratic republic to respond to 21st century threats, we must pass the john r lewis voting act which would reinvigorate the Voting Rights act to deploy more resources to enforce the voting right protection. The Civil Rights Division bears responsibility for enforcing federal hate crime laws at a time but over the s past seven years we have seen an explosion of hate speech and Political Violence whether directed toward racial or ethnic minorities, women in lgbtq persons or members of religious groups all across the country, communities have been impacted by hate incidents as they trended upwards. Statistics compiled by the fbi showed even with imperfect reporting Law Enforcement agencies reported over 11000 hate crime incidents over 59 of the victims were targeted because of their race or ethnicity and another 17. 3 were targeted based on their religion and another 17 were targeted because of their Sexual Orientation. Of course an environment surrounding hamas terrorist attack on october 7 israels military response to the attack that weve seen increasing reports of antisemitism and is llama phobia including incidents of potential hate crimes. Also for decades the Civil Rights Division is plated Important Role in helping Law Enforcement agencies to keep the Community Safe and uphold the rule of law while protecting the civil rights of all citizens. One of the tools fordr doing ths is to work with communities to address patterns and practices a violation of Law Enforcement i tool that was abandoned by thehe Trump Department of justice and i look forward to hearing what progress has been made in this area. Thank you assistant attorney general clark for updating us on the work ofag the division and what Congress Needs to do to assist the division in the work. Thank you. I yield back. I now recognize the Ranking Member mr. Nadler for his Opening Statement should he care to give what. Thank you mr. Chairman. I would like to begin by thanking the assistant attorney general before appearing before the subcommittee. Unfortunately it is been several years since we had the opportunity to question the head of the department of Civil Rights Division, department of justice civil rights because general clarks immediate predecessor during the Trump Administration never appeared before us the department of invasion of the time because back then had nothing good to report to us as it practically advocated its responsibility to vigorously enforce our nations critical civil rights laws. I am pleased however, under the Biden Administration and under assistant attorney general clarks leadership the division is once again taking his role seriously. That means protecting americans from a nationwide effort to undermine the right to vote, working with local communities to investigate and resolve patterns and practices of unconstitutional conduct and Law Enforcement agencies, addressing the disturbing rights of hate crimes across the country in combating discrimination in all forms whether it be employment, housing, education or elsewhere. All of the Critical Issues and many others that impacts millions of americans and dedicated staff of the Civil Rights Division works tirelessly to ensure all americans regardless of their race, religion, sex, National Orientation are treated equally under the law. Thank you for your effort ine leading this vital department. On top of mind to me today is the recent rise in antisemitism in the general rise in hate crimes and other forms of illegal discrimination that is transpired over the past several years. According to the most recent data compiled by the fbi for the year 2022 and the testimony of federal Law Enforcement officials is been a significant document of increasing and antisomatic hate crimes and discrimination according to fbi data even before hamas brutal terrorist attack on october 7 antisemitism was on the rise. In 2022 there were 2042 reported incidents based on religion and whether half of these were driven by antijewish bias. During recent testimony before the senate, the fbi director Christopher Wray stated the threat of antisemitism is reaching historic levels and that was in part because the Jewish Community was targeted by terrorists across the spectrum including foreign terrorist organizations and Domestic Violence extremist. Director wray went on to say that the fbi statistics indicated for a group that represents only 2. 4 of the mega public, Jewish Americans account for Something Like 60 of all religiousbased hate crimes. If it was not just the Jewish Community explains advising hate, and the week since octoben tracking incidents of islamic phobia and antihero pay across the country including the recent shooting of three palestinian reamericans in vermont and the murder of a 6yearold muslim child in illinois. Unfortunately hate crimes with race, and the city continue to remain the most common. According to the same fbi data there was 6557 reported race motivated incidences2. In 2022. The number of antiblack incidents was more than three times higher than the next highest racial ethnic category additionally fbi data shows a disturbing trend of increasing incidence of violence is against the transgender and gender nonconforming community. As we all know while statistics can help us quantify and understand the magnitude of the problem they cannot fully convey the bias motivated crimes and flicking upon her community, general clark i cannot emphasize enough how vulnerable the Jewish Community in america is feeling at this moment especially now that october 7 attack that led to an explosive rise ofs antisemitism both at home and abroad. They know withoutth a doubt the every other committee dimension shares the same sense of vulnerability following similar hate motivated crimes. Hate crime sends a message to every member of the community that you are not a real person, therefore undeserving of the lowest protection. The vulnerability is the point of hate crimes enforcement. To provide not only justice to the victim but the entirent community. Im heartened to hear the under your leadership, the Civil Rights Division has brought over 100 hate crime related cases and secure numerous convictions included against the perpetrator of the attack in buffalo, pittsburgh and el paso. Thats why i believe the crucial for congress to provide the resources to the Civil Rights Division that can effectively address the rise in hate as well as the mission to remedy illegal discrimination of voting, employment, education, public and governmentfunded programs and services. If i may general clark, i would offer a few words of advice to you. To those members of the public will be following todays hearing, dont be distracted by the republican sideshow fueled by the conspiracyd minded allis in the conservative echo chamber of which we have already heard a preview today. Under your leadership the civil rights is focused on the enforcement of rights that are essential to the functioning of our diverse democratic society. After all if you could be attacked with impunity because of your religion and denied the right to vote because of your race, fired for your job because of your sex or prohibited from an education because you are transgender, the t fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution aree not worth the paper they are written on. I look forward to a distinguish witness testimony and i yield back the balance of my time. I think they Ranking Member for the statement, without objection all Opening Statements will be included in the record, we will now introduce todays witness, the honorable kristen clark, ms. Clark is the assistant attorney general for civil rights and sworn in on ma. We welcome eyewitness and thank her for appearing today, we will begin by swearing un, will you please rise and raise your right hand. Do you swear and affirm under penalty or perjury that the testimony you are about to give is true and correct to the best of your knowledge information and belief, so help you god. I do. Thank you. Ludlow the record reflect she answered in the affirmative. Your written testimony will be entered into the record in its entirety accordingly we ask that you summarize your testimony. Ms. Clark you may begin. Good morning chairman roy, Ranking Member standing, Ranking Member nadler and distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today, protecting civil rights is essential to the department of justice, the department was created in 1870 in part to confront the ku klux klan and others who use terror and violence to prevent black people from exercising their civil and Constitutional Rights. Nearly 100 years later, Congress Gave new energy to this work by enacting legislation that established the Civil Rights Division and empowered to protect the civil rights of every person in america. Our work remains vital as we continue sadly to say at a bigotry, violence and discrimination in many aspects of v life. The division combats these harms by enforcing the constitution and the protection enshrined in law by congress. We work to ensure that every eligible american has a voice in our democracy by confronting voting this termination. And we were to advance equal opportunity and employment, housing, education and more, we safeguard the rights of people with disabilities and we defend the civil rights of those who defend our nation in the armed forces, past and present. We work to vindicate the rights of Sexual Assault survivors and people who experience Sexual Harassment on campuses and workplaces, and housing and in jails and prisons. We work to ensure that Law Enforcement personnel carry out their jobs lawfully and withoutl bias, this work includes prosecution of officers who abuse their power including officers tied to the tragic death of george floyd in minneapolis, Breonna Taylor and louisville tyre nichols in memphis. Work that has particular urgency today is our response to bias motivated violence. Fbi data shows that reported hate crime is at the highest level in more than a decade, black people remain the group frequently targeted by hate crimes and crimes motivated by antisemitism, islamic phobia and bias against the victim Sexual Orientation or gender identity have also climbed a number. In the weeks following the devastating october 7 attack in israel. And ensuing violence in the middle east we seated alarming rise in acts of hate in her neighborhoods, honor campuses and in our streets. We know that too many communities are living in fear and we have all seen the horrors that result from hate, the charleston nine, the el paso 23, the tree of life 11. The buffalo ten, the club q5, the jacksonville three, each of these tragedies offers a bleak testament to the death, pain and trauma that can flow from bigotry and hatred. The top priority is to investigate and prosecute unlawful acts of hate since 2001 the division charge more than 105 defendants in more than 95 cases for committing hate crimes and during the same. We obtained more than 90 convictions. For example the division secured a guilty version against the man who killed 11 people critically wounded seven others at the tree of life synagogue inn pittsburg. The division secured a conviction of a man whond killed 23 and wounded 22 more at a walmart in el paso, texas. Victims targeted because of their b b hispanic identity ande secured convictions of the three men responsible for the racially motivated killing of Ahmaud Arbery in georgia. Hate crimes are message crimes, the perpetrator is not only targeting the direct victims but seek to instill fear in the victims community, our prosecution sends a louder and more powerful message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our democracy and that perpetrators will be punished and held accountable in the communities target will be safeguarded by the federal government. As i close i want to recognize the hundreds of dedicated Public Servants in the Civil Rights Division who carry out this critical work, their commitment inspires me and im honored to represent them here today, thank you in a look forward to your questions. Thank younk ms. Clark. We will now proceed under the fiveminute role with questions. The chair will recognize myself for five minutes. Ms. Clark in the june 2020 oped you wrote i advocate for defunding policing operations that it made africanamericans loadable to Police Violence and mass incarceration while investing more programs and police and policies that address Critical Community needs, since that time in the summer of 2020 there been significant drops in recruiting police nationwide, significant evidence of morale dropping for Police Officers inn communities across the country, a simple statement, do you stand behind the statement inr the oped that you wrote in the summer of 2020 advocating for defunding policing operations . Microphone maam. The Justice Department fully supports funding and supporting our Law Enforcement. My question was different than that, you pinned it in your the head of the Civil Rights Division and you pinned the oped in the summer of 2020 in the midst of significant unrest around the country with the Law Enforcement community was dealing with significant attacks on them and you wrote i advocate for defunding policing operations, do you stand by the statement. I have not advocated for defunding Law Enforcement at the Justice Department we allocate millions of dollars by way of our office of justice programs, cops office, office of violence against women. Maam answer on the question. The question is t simple, you wrote the statement, do you stand behind the statement or do you repudiate that statement. Ive not advocated for defunding Law Enforcementat chairman and i appreciate the difficult jobs that are Law Enforcement officers do each day to keep us safe and i believe its important that they have the resources to carry out their job. And portly black americans make up 36 of Violent Crime victims and only 14 of the population. You think defunding the police are and an oped in june of 2020 in writing, do you think defunding the police makes africanamericans, black community more vulnerable to violence. I support ensuring that Law Enforcement has the resources and support needed to carry out their jobs Public Safety is a top priority for all of us. I would note that the city of austin, the Travis County das office sent you a joint letter yesterday or the day before announcing that 17 of the 21 austine Police Department indicted for Excessive Force may 31 in the and summer of unrest were cleared that 17 Law Enforcement officers who were indicted by the local da and then they were suddenly cleared but they sent a letter the same day requested that the d. O. J. Civil rights investigate the Police Apartment despite the fact that the austin Police Department had been a model of the department of justice had engaged in the use of force my question for you will you investigate the District Attorney for having indicted 17n Police Officers and suddenly walking away for a political safe facing rather than investigating the police to permit . I am not aware of therr correspondence. Im happy to look into this further. I would look forward to working with your office to do that. Its extraordinarily concerning. Any written testimony mentioned the d. O. J. Has prosecuted involving abortion and pregnance Resource Centers can you tell us how many cases have been filed since it was enacted in 1994 . The freedom of that with the entrances act is an important law we apply it evenhandedly and i dont have statistics on the number of cases since the laws passage. Would it surprise you that the data set is been brought 130 time since 1994 . , my question is how many cases have been fileds in defense of n Abortion Provider or in defense of proabortion activists versus how many cases have been filed in defense of prolife americans or churches that have been attacked. I wonder if you know the data on those . I believe in outreach inhabit aggressively conducting outreach togr all groups so that the pubc understands the phase act applies to prochoice and prolife groups and i will flag for you chairman that we recently had january indictments against two florida residents for spray painting threats on Pregnancy Resource Centers. I certainly appreciate that you all did that but the numbers i have are out of 130 uses of the phase act since 1994, 126 were for proabortion and in defense of Abortion Providers and four have been for prolife americanser and or churches. I think that was whatd, in january. I would let you respond to that antimatter my time. I cannot speak to what happened in Prior Administration. What i can ensure you is that the division is committed to full and evenhanded enforcement of this important federal law. Thank youou ms. Clark. Mr. Cohen. Thank you for coming before this committee and your work and dedication to see that the constitution ispr properly protected and that people are given the right. Can you tell me some of the things that you have done in the Justice Department has done to improve cities capacities to fight crime which is a serious issue in this country today and particularly in memphis, tennessee. Yes, thank you for the question congressman, Public Safety is an important priority for the Justice Department. And for our attorney general. My colleagues in the Criminal Division recently launched an initiative in your city of memphis to deal with Violent Crime and while i cannot speak to that initiative, when i can assureyo you is that this Justie Department is committed to partnering and working with jurisdictions and officials to ensure Public Safety. That is a National Program that started in houston and will go to othe cities as well. I believe that is correct. I appreciate memphis being a red state and you helping us with this great problem. Civil Rights Enforcement and the Voting Rights act and americans with disabilities or three of my major issues, what exactly is the department of justice doing to enforce the Voting Rights act, i know we seen action in alabama and louisiana and maybe another southern state, what have they done there on the disability rights as well. Congressman i started off my career at the Justice Department as a Voting Rights lawyer. What i can assure you the Civil Rights Division remain steadfast in ensuring were using the Voting Rights act, National Voter registration act, help america vote act. The uniform and overseen citizens absentee voting act to ensure every eligible american has voice in our democracy. We arere filing lawsuits and statements of interest in thirdparty lawsuits to help thguide the courts on the appropriate interpretation and application of the law. We are issuing guidance documents and more but we are without one of our most powerful tools given the suspension of section five clearance provision following the Shelby County alabama versus holder ruling. On disabilities . Enforcement of the ada is a hallmark of our work in thema Civil Rights Division every day were working to ensure that people with disabilities have access to jobs, housing and were also very mindful of the barriers that people face when it comes to web access, again through litigation through guidance, Technical Assistance and providing service to the public by way of the ada. Gov and more were fighting to stand up for people with disabilities across the country. That is so important to give everybody anng opportunity of fl life and not have an accident of nature or disease or an impediment to that in the Justice Department. Section five limited by the Supreme Court, section two is alive and been used well even though sometimes it takes time, now there is an argument in the eighth circuit where they ruled only the government can bring a case under section two of the Voting Rights act, have most of the cases that even brought under section two or brought by individuals or by the government and if it does come out that is upheld by the Supreme Court or ruled an interpretation of the Voting Rights act in the constitution, what will that do to the Voting Rights enforcement in your division . The Justice Department takes seriously its obligation to enforce section two, no doubt private parties, Nonpartisan Organizations create essential role in the Supreme Court precedent, legislative history and decades of work in the courts that is long made clear that private groups enjoy a private right of action under section two of the Voting Rights act we would not be in this case in the eighth circuit and we will continue to watch very closely what is playing out here. Most of the cases brought under section two have they have been brought by the government or private security. The raw numbers probably show there is a total of work by private groups who has been larger. Private attorney general . That is right and Nonpartisan Organization have played a Critical Role working alongside the government to ensure every eligible american has voice incr our democracy. They give very much, i know your shoes are more difficult to walk in and you were walking and john lewis issues and i hope all times you will remember that in enforce the Voting Rights. Thank you, mr. Cohen we now recognize the gentleman from california. Im sure you surmise the concerns of many of us in involves the unequal application of the laws based on the political or ethnic identity of those involved, the chair cited many examples involving everything from acts of violence against prolife clinics to antisemitic crimes for example, the law is only respected if it is applied evenly, what can you tell us to address these concerns. Thank you, congressman. I believeli wholeheartedly that the division, the entire department is committed to evenhanded enforcement of the law and we follow the facts and apply the law. When it comes to hate crimes antisemitic violence and standing up to hate crimes is a top priority for us. What do you say and what you do seem to be very Different Things and for example how many prosecutions has your division initiated against violence and vandalism by antiabortion groups such as jane revenge against antiabortion clinics as opposed to the other way around, the chairman cited 126 prosecutions against prolife groups and only four against proabortion groups under the phase act, are these numbers correct and if they are, how do you explain them. I cannot speak to Prior Administration but i can tell you in this year alone we had indictments in january and in march. How many prosecutions during your tenure have been initiated against prolife groups and how many against proabortion groups. I provided two examples. Im looking at the entire totality of what youre doing im not cherry picking numbers, what are the actual numbers in totality. Those are two sets ofm indictments. You not answer the question, let me go on, how many prosecutions does your division initiate against take crimes directed against the Jewish Community as opposed to those directed at the muslim community, Christopher Wray testified in the Senate Hearing that religion based take crimes against Jewish Americans comprise 60 of all such crimes despite there only being 2. 4 of the american population, my question would be our 60 of your religiousbased hate crime prosecutions been attacks against Jewish Americans. Our tree of life prosecution. That is one case. Im looking at the totality. Im not interested in cherry picking one case that you pursued. I want to know what is the total amount, 60 of your prosecutions been directed against religiousbased crimes and directed at Jewish Americans . I can provide countless examples. I want the total number. 60 of your prosecution bid against hate crime directed at Jewish Americans . Yes or no. I dont have the precise number but countless examples. The precise number will tell us b whether you are being candd in the relationship between what do you say and what you do, never concerned that the Civil Rights Division perceived resistance to Supreme Court decisions forbidding universities from discriminating against p applicants on the rac. In the students for this case you called this a dog whistle that could invite a lot of chaos and unnecessarily create hysteria among colleges andri universities who may fear that the government may come down on them for the efforts to maintain tdiversity under campuses, once the Supreme Court spoke clearly on this issue your division released universities telling them how to violate the law by linkingt . Student applications o the race, is the administration bound to obey the law or is it not . Yes congressman. Had he explained that memo. We follow the rulings of the United States Supreme Court. But you dont your memo speaks to thatt can you see how such a memo could be viewed as open defiance to the authority of the Supreme Court and the rule of law. We comply with the mandate of the Supreme Court. But youre not. Finally how do you see the separation of jurisdictions between local Law Enforcement agencies and federal Law Enforcement, what cases do you believe the federal government should defer to local Law Enforcement agencies. We collaborate and work closely with local and state Law Enforcement in the tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery is one example the state of georgia did not have a hate crimes law on the book at the time that mr. Ahmaud arbery was tragically killed. Our federal hate crime prosecution was important but every day we work to collaborate and coordinate. How often do you defer to local Law Enforcement. Often. We have limited resources and rely on local and state governments to do their part in enforcing the law. Thank you. We recognize a gentlelady from texas. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Assistant attorney general clark, thank you for being here today, your testimony and your service to our country. I want to especially recognize a Rights Division for the incredible work that you all did prosecuting the selfproclaimed White Nationalist who drove to my community in august 2019 to massacre and anyone who looked like an immigrant per his confession. It was a very challenging trial for the community to relive the trauma and the horrific event. Am very grateful to the department for the work that you all did to ensure my community received justice and all the victims and families received justice. I want to thank you for that. I have raised the issue before with the department about my state, the statete of texas and Governor Greg Abbott in the way that he is engaging specifically in border communities like leon and operation lone star has been a project of Governor Abbott that is essentially created some chaos and border communities like my own, highspeed chases by dps that result in fatalities and significant Property Damage but there are other violations of well, racial profiling, due process violation, unlawful detention of migraines without charges being filed and i could go on and on with the impact that operation lone star has had in texas. Ms. Clark will you commit whether federal Funding Sources areyo being used to support operation lone star and whether such support violates the Civil Rights Act. Thank you congresswoman, we continue to monitor operation lone star and we can commit to doing that. Wonderful, thank you. There is a growing group off legislators, policymakers, not just in texas but outside of texas sounding the alarm. I really appreciate that. If advocates, members of the public or migrants himself precede a federal civil rights violation inflicted by the public official under operation lone star or otherwise, to whom at the department of justice should they report this to . We encourage the public to bring forward complaints about Law Enforcement misconduct to the fbi, the Civil Rights Division works closely with the fbi to investigate allegations of misconduct. Thank you so much. I also want to sound the alarm about a new bill that was passed by the Texas State Legislature sb four, sb four is essentially texas effort to usurp, federal Immigration Law with the creation of a new statelevel Immigration Law. I believe in many civil rights advocates believe this will increase the racial profiling that is happening in texas and its w unconstitutional. Are you aware of as before in texas . Very generally and im happy to take a closer look congresswoman. Thank you i think its good to be really important. Im not sure if the governor has signed t it yet, we have urged e governor not to sign it. Its pretty brazenly and blatantly unconstitutional. If he does sign it, if there is such maybe not referring to this one in particular but if there were such a law that usurp federal immigration, what can we expect from the department. When we identify violations of the law we prosecute just by way of example congresswoman earlier this year we indicted a member of the Border Patrol for engaging in misconduct, we take seriously the mess allegations and where the law authorizes and we will prosecute. In terms of estate if the state legislature and t the governor pass a law that is blatantly unconstitutional, what with the department do. If appropriate we can file suit challenging the constitutionality of the law, here we would have to look more closely. I welcome that review. Thank you so much i go back. I think the gentlelady from texas and not recognize the gentleman from North Carolina mr. Bishop. And the biden excuse me missouri versus c fighting casen the District Court, the court explained if the allegations made by the plaintiff to the present case arguably involve a massive attack on free speech the United States history the court went on to find that they were reasonably likely to succeed in the preliminary injunction in the fifth circuit has a firm in the Supreme Court has taken jurisdiction of the case and the civil litigation, is any criminal investigation or prosecution of the person responsible for the activity ina the fbi and at the white house and their coconspirators underway in the civil rightsat division . Congress i am not familiar with the litigation but happy to bring your question back. Thank you, let me understand that, you are not aware of the missouri versus biden litigation that is currently being taken up by the United States Supreme Court, is that correct . Unfortunately i am not congressman. Assuming that you are not aware of that, what reason would there be that the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department leader is unaware of what the United States District Court has described as the most massive attack on free speech in the United States history . If you could share more of the facts that can be helpful. Otherwise you just dont know . Is that correct. That is correct unfortunately, this does not appear to be a case in familiar with. Good enough, im getting yield the balance of my time to the chairman. I find that to be astounding, i want to followup on the line of question, the gentleman from california with respect to the phase act because ms. Clark, you dismissedd use time are we doing. It is my time and all that the gentleman i just want to point out, there have been at least 35 cases of the phase actbe being applied to prolife groups and orli churches or prolife people that are antiabortion in your tenure not counting 2021 and the data for 2022 and 2023 versus before that we think point to and the one that you point to in january. A point to the gentleman inin california, you had a fouryear request that was responded to from a leftwing in group, the center for investigative reporting, weve been asking for a copy of that for the prosecution levels in the numbers fromr your office for a long time for almost a year end would not been responded to, will you commit to sharing that request and all of the data the phase act prosecution specifically under your watch and generally. I absolutely bring this back to the division for officials and ensure that you receive a timely response, please know that the division is committed to handed enforcement. Even under your watch it is at least 35 1 or two, that is not evenhanded as far from handed in importantly market was targeted had a raid of his home, the prosecutor under this was acquitted by a jury, have you apologized on behalf of the department of justice for the grave violation of his civil rights having his family have to watch being rated at his home and did acquitted by a federal jury . Have you apologized to him . We follow the facts and apply the law, that iss our job and we welcome opportunities to engage with other prolife groups that may be expansive threats. The answer to that is no. I yield to the gentle man from ohio. I think the gentleman for yielding. I think like every member on the side with think any member watching is astounded that you and the assistant attorney general civil rights of the Justice Department is not familiar with a huge case missouri versus biden are in the case it was six different federal agencies were found to be guilty of violating the First Amendment liberties of americans of hhs, fbi, d. O. J. , even the white house itself and you are not familiar with that is truly, frankly, i think thats what the gentleman had time to yell back, i dont know what we say. Its in front of the Supreme Court and the head of the Civil Rights Division doesnt know, that is scary. That in its, of itself so this justice i department is politicl in doing things for political reasons, i do not know what does. I yield back and i appreciate thei ci gentlemans question. I think the gentleman from North Carolina and ohio the gentlelady from vermont as african eyes. Thank you, mr. Chair. Assistant attorney general clark, thank you for being here. I want to start by thanking the Justice Department for its work regarding the massacre of the tree of life synagogue in pittsburgh on october 27, 2018. , as you know this heinous act of antisemitism took the lives of 11 Jewish Americans and i want to thank the d. O. J. For all of the work there. It is clear antisemitism and islamic phobia is tragically on the rise, around the globe and here in our own country, my home state of vermont is not immune. In burlington over thanksgiving three Young Palestinian americans were shot as they simply walk down the street. They spoke a mix of arabic and english and to war traditional fes. Although the investigation will determine whether the horrible crime will meet the Legal Definition of a hate crime, we know and i c say we know, all vermonters no this was a hateful act. This acta of violence is part of ast disturbing and frightening trend and alls of us need to remember that we have a part to play in standing with and speaking out against the violence against their muslim neighbors. Recently attorney general garland stated that the fbi and atf are investigating the incident including whether the attack constituted a hate crime. I know you cannot discuss specifics of the work but i am wondering if you can please let us know that the Civil Rights Division work as it relates to the investigation of hate crimes and i think vermonters would love to know. The Justice Department in particular the fbi and atf are currently working with local and state Law Enforcement and looking into this very tragic matter. We have been incredibly vigilant since october 7th tragedy that has unfolded in israel and the middle east. Antisomatic violence, islamophobic by the antiviolence and the targeting of communities perceived to be jewish or muslim has no place in our society. We will take seriously investigations of threats of violence, acts of violence and prosecute where appropriate. Have you seen an increase in actual or potential antisemitic or islamophobic incident since october 7. We have engaged with many organizations, jewish organizations, muslim organizations all of whom are reporting that they themselves are seen an uptick. We rely on fbi data that comes out annually. The everything that we hear makes clear that this is t reque federal government. That is what were doing. A followup, what steps specifically is the Civil Rights Division doing to keep Jewish Americans and arab americans and ririmuslim americans safe in thr communities . I know there is growing anxiety and fear about basic safety and security. Im wondering if you could give us a few more details about what the department can do and is doing. Were using the tools that Congress Gave us like shepherd and james to hold perpetrators accountable. We realize we cannot prosecutor way out of the crisis. Rkwe also worked to Institute Programs like united against hate where every single u. S. Attorneys office across the country, all 94 have instituted programs to bring together local, state, federal Law Enforcement, Community Groups and safe leadersrs e to ensure t folks know how to investigate and report hate incidents and hate crimes will also engaged with trading of prosecutors and training of Law Enforcement, and then there is the grantmaking that happens as well. This is an all hands on deck moment at the Justice Department to confront the hate crisis that were up against and we stand for and behind all communities that are targeted by hate. I really appreciate that. My last question, what measures are being taken, this is another topic, what measures are being addressed for discriminatory practices of gender affirming care. We here to are being very vigilant, we seen a number of states that have adopted bands and restrictions on gender affirming care. We are very weary of the fact that Justice Gorsuch himself noted in the ruling that discrimination against transgender people is discrimination based on sex so we brought lawsuits and issue statements in the interest challenging some of the state laws that we have seen restricting access to care for transgender youth. I appreciate that, thank you so much. I yield back. I think the gentleladybe from vermont i now recognize mr. Jordan. Ms. Clark, are you sure that you dont know anything about missouri versus biden, you dont know anything about that. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify, this is the case being handled by the Civil Division and is assure you. Have you read the opinion. The Justice Department is compliant. I did not ask that, did you read the opinion from the Western District of louisiana or the fifth circuit opinion. I gleaned the ruling but is not a Civil Rights Division case. Which is it, when mr. Bishop asked you said you did not know one darn thing now you say you gleamed or you glanced or whatever. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify. The Civil Division is handling this case and the department is compliant with the court. First amendment rights are pretty fundamental rights, that is something you dont think the Civil Rights Division should be involved. Absolutely determined. Is a bedrock principle of our democracy. Let me go a different route, do politics tried the decision at the Justice Department today. Politics have no place in the work of the Civil Rights Division. Three months ago the new mexico governor announced a 30 day ban on citizens right to carry a concealed firearm in albuquerque and the county the albuquerque citizen, what did the Justice Department do when the f governor did the unconstitutional order . What did the d. O. J. Do in response to the unconstitutional action from the governor of new mexico. I am generally aware of the matter that you are referring to but guncontrol is not a core issue that we handle. The fundamental right that the First Amendment is pretty important. These are very important issues to the department. Tell me what the Justice Department did witness happen when the governor and pose the unconstitutional ban. Im happy to bring your question back to my colleague. You dont know that either. Or Criminal Division. You dont know about missouri be biden or what the d. O. J. Did in response to the governor of new mexico action. He is with the county sheriff said he held a press conference a this was unconstitutional, unenforceable and incapable of stopping and curbing gun violence. New Mexico Attorney general who is a democrat said this will not have any impact on Public Safety and does not have constitutiol muster. When the democrat attorney of new mexico said it doesnt fit the constitution but you guys at d. O. J. Dont do a darn thing . Is that what youre telling me. Politics has no place in the work of the Justice Department chairman. Are you aware anything the Justice Department due to the unconstitutional order from the governor of new mexico . On the Civil Rights Division. Dated the Justice Department dof anything . We enforce the laws that Congress Gave us chairman. In this case did the Justice Department do anything. It didnt follow amicus or any statement of interest, they didnt do a thing which gets back to the point that mr. Mcclintock was making earlier, it shows how political you are because when texas passed the prolife bill on september 1, 2021, 8 days later, the department of justice announces an investigation, this is what amazes me that the bill that passed the statehouse, the state senate and signed by the governor and you guys are contesting that eight days later but you have something to new mexico which is an obvious direct assault on the Second Amendment in the order from the government didnt go to the legislature. The department of justice does nothing. The Civil Rights Division is deeply committed to enforcing laws that this body gave us and committed to standing up for the rights the civil rights of all americans chairman. You can say it but based on some of your other answers, not knowing the first thing about missouri be biden and not knowing if anything was done because nothing was done relative to the governors unconstitutional order regarding new mexicorn citizens resident d americans right, the Second Amendment rights, this is why we are so darn concerned. I appreciate the chairman having this hearing. Ive 38 seconds i would be happy to yield to the german trump arizona. I would ask this, i am over here. You answered the previous question saying if the governor did something, they were talking about taxes, the representative did not like the texas law regarding immigration. You said that you guys, the Civil Rights Division, we could file a lawsuit, the lawsuit was filed in the case of the chairman was talking about, you guys did not participate in that, do you disregard Second Amendment rights, that not important, if the governor violates those rights directly is that not important for the civil rights to get involved in. I understand that the new mexico order was enjoined within two days of entry but i did want to make clear that guncontrol is not an area that the civil rights under any administration has historically worked much around. Its an important the Second Amendment of course is an important part of our constitution congressman. A quick followup, what youre telling us, the Civil Rights Division will not protect Second Amendment rights . We enforce the laws that Congress Gave us and weighing in on Second Amendment and gun control issues across City Administration has never been a core aspect of the divisions work. The gentlemans timer is expired. I will recognize mr. Bush. Thank you, we are here today to continue our efforts to hold our government to add ties, ideals and equal justice under the law. Assistant attorney general clark, thank you for being here. Thank you congresswoman. Thank you for your career of Public Service in support of civil rights for all people. I was excited to see your nomination and your confirmation to this role and i do believe you are doing your best to advance the cause of justice inside of the government and as an activist from the ferguson frontline to congress, i just want to say thank you for your work, as i have said before, many times including attorney general garland, i think the department can do more to advance civil rights and the rule of law, these problems are systemwide and they predate your time at justice. I want to ask the assistant attorney general clark, the Civil Rights Division handles cases that involve Law Enforcement and misconduct in the violation of federal rule right. That is correct. I strongly believe the actions of georgia Law Enforcement regarding the protester and the suppression of opposition to the atlanta Public Safety center is also known as cop city. The obvious examples of Law Enforcement misconduct resulted into violation of the federal rights and i urge the Civil Rights Division to open investigation. What is happening in atlanta can happen anywhere in the country and we need the d. O. J. To do your part in preventing them from happening. I know the issue i want to follow up on the Department Enforcement of title vi and antidiscrimination provision of safe streets act, this vital law makes clear that the department has an obligation to ensure the recipients of funding do not engage inco discrimination like will be seen in our district which includes ferguson missouri and as detailed by the d. O. J. 25th practices investigation following the Police Killing of michael brown. I was glad to see the commitment associate attorney general announced in 2022 within title vi provision and we had that conversation but i have yet to see any meaningful progress by the department in implementing any of them. Do you have any updates for the committee about the departments implementation . Of these commitments . If i can flag one area congresswoman it would be Environmental Justice where we made historic accomplishments in using title vi of the Civil Rights Act to stand up for communities that are beleaguered by environmental injustice problems. Houston, texas in county alabama are two examples of places where the very first time we have used title vi to address issues that disproportionately impact black and latino communities when it comes to Environmental Justice. Thank you for that. One final issue i want to raise with you, conditions and local persons in jail. I have them been demanding more from answers about the horrific conditions at the center inor my district where yet another incarcerated person died this weekend. I know your team has investigated conditions in jails of South Carolina and elsewhere and i would love to speak with you more about this issue. We must not forget the humidity of people who are incarcerated. In my closing let me just say this, we know we cannot prosecutor way to justice with the Civil Rights Division is the crown jewel of the department and for good reasons. I know there are people in the division that want to use the law to stop this c termination. Instead of enabling it. To stop Police Brutality and legitimate protest instead of enabling it. Stop the relentless and inhumane attack on lgbtq communities instead of enabling it. That is the work of the Civil Rights Division. Its what youve done and what you will continue to do despite the efforts of the right wing extremist to strip away civil rights and discrimination to law of the land. We will not but the effort succeed. Lity and the to stop that relentless and inhumane attack on our lbgtq committees, instead of enabling i think i have a little bit more time. If theres anything else you would like to speak to her clear up you may say. Say. Think it comes say. Thinking the people do not abandon their Constitutional Rights. Im glad that you brought up jail conditions and were enforcement the severus institutionalized persons act is an important priority for us. We are investigating prison conditions in georgia. And texas looking at juvenile facilities new jersey and more such important area of enforcement for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. Thank you. I back. Thinking ms. Bush. Mr. Chairman of the duo to you since time is short. One quick question the question you talked about in terms of jails and how people are treated in incarceration have you done any investigation into how those that were charged with crimes related to january 6 up and treated at the jails in washington d. C. . Isfo chairman there is one matter that was referred to us by a judge from the d. C. District court and we did respond. Havenk you conducted investigations into the treatment of the facilities and can you report the investigation to us. We have investigations across the country dont presently have one open in the district of columbia. I yields back. I go to arizona mr. Biggs. The forward continue our conversation about mexico i want to provide context regarding the face act in the prosecutions disparity which 161 collect people are persecuted 16 times to win. Its important to put into context since the top case was leaked there has been over 100 attacks on prolife centers and churches so that makes the numbers even more disparate and creates a perception of bias here. I want to go back to some the things you said in your opening quote to protect the civil rights of every american pack your job is to enforce the constitution even enforcement plan villa were things that you said and then again in the texas question that you were given because the representative on the other side was upset because the legislature and the governor enacted a law that she thought was unconstitutional with regards to Immigration Law. She said what can you do . He said we could file suit. We could file suit so the reason i bring that up is because when i asked you and when the chairman was asking you about it to file an amicus or statement of interest visavis the governor of new mexicos abridgment of the 2nd amendment rights of new by saying you cannot, you cant carry a handgun outside of your home you said we enforce the laws that Congress Passed and so i wanted to ask you then right after heard that and we ran out of time if the texas laws dealing with immigration or Security Issues and he said we could file a lawsuit has congress enacted a law that would allow you to investigate border Security Issues . No congressman and i just want to say congress is not given the Civil Rights Division clear direction to file civil suits regarding possession of firearms. You told us that you could file a lawsuit visavis a state trying to force its border because they are being overrun. Are you telling me that you find some Statutory Authority for that . Only if theres a violation of a federal law that congress is put on the books that its past with enforcement. That could bee at critical qualifier. In this particular instance when the 2nd amendment is directly being violated in such a way that you are right there was an injection almost immediately put in place because my private action was brought and you all never wade into it. Not just your division. Nobody from doj ever wade into it saying that you couldnt go forward with that and i find that absolutely astonishing quite frankly and now i will submit before a run on time and im sorry to take up all this time forit the record and artice troopers m fatally shoot and wont be charged prosecutors say wherein he discloses the individual shot at Police Four Times before fire was returned. Without objection. I get to the gentlelady from pennsylvania. Thank you mr. Acting chair. Madam assistant attorney general youveve received some questions about conditions in the d. C. Jail which we heard increasingly from our colleagues on the right since january 6. Isnt it true that thehe d. C. Jl had conditions for decades before january 2021 . I cant speak to formal findings. What i can say with more resources we could certainly do more. We want jails and prisons that comply with the constitution and to comply with the mandate of the civil rightsbo institution rights act. I would ask unanimous consent to enter a Time Magazine article from january of 2022 entitled the crisis at the d. C. Jail began decades before january 6 defendant started raising concerns. Without objection. Smiley thank you. I had worked with the lawyers of civil rights on those issues when i was primarily a minority population inth the jail for que some time. In the wake of the 2020 election we have seen a surge in lawsuits andns other actions to challenge Election Results without evidence of fraud or misconduct. You seem to have been fueled by the laws the lies of the former president and other election deniers. Thesee of elections are not without costs cost. And my confidence in our election and they have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in overtime legal fees etc. And weve seen arise in attacks and threats against our election officials. This is particularly so in pennsylvania the keystone state where i live and represent and which is a perennial nettle ground state. The counties that are representative then subjected to dozens of groundless election challenges in recent years. Including following our recent municipal elections so what can the department of justice do to help these localities address these attacks on our election systems and what guidance can be provided with respect to veterans . There has been an Election Task force launched that includes representation from departments includingun Criminal Divisions threats of violence and acts of violence have no place in our political discourse and that task force will hear from people who want to bring forth complaints. Thank you. We have had some conversation today about how the department of justice is helping our cities by crime and provide policing and im grateful to the grants that many of my jurisdictions have recently received. Theyou talk about some of things that your department is doing to help our communities implement 21st Century Policing practices in a way that keeps everyone safe. Thank you for the question. We work on a range of issues we work cooperatively with Law Enforcement to make sure they have access to communities that are limited in english proficiency. We take seriously our application to address misconduct when it arises. The chair noted a number of investigations opened in cities such as memphis, louisville, Louisiana State Police Phoenix and more represent an infinitesimal number of the 18,000 plus Law Enforcement agencies across our country better important investigations because we want Public Safety and we want policing that is bias free and the comport with the standards of the constitution. I engage with organizations such as the International Association of chiefs of police and believe that training are important ways in which the department issv working to support Law Enforcement. I know that stream from my conversations with our smaller Police Departments that are seeking funding and resources to help them gain accreditation so their officers are welltrained and able to handle whatever is thrown at them. Thereve been a couple of things i want to correct for the record. There has been this characterization and one of them was suggesting there has been a disproportionate number of pattern and practice investigations started under your leadership but a force thats in contrast to the fact that the Prior Administration eliminated the use of Consent Decree so i wanted to mention that and also there has been an attempt to contrast the number of prosecutions that have occurred since the act was passed in 1994. Course its really important to note that was passed in response to mergers and physical attacks upon abortion care providers. That was the genesis of the act surprising they have been more prosecutions that have taken place with respect to people physically attacking and murdering abortion care providers and i commend the fact that you are even handedly applying that when anyone from any reason provides takes action against someone whos providing health care. I recognize that a woman from california mr. Kylie. Then i yield to mr. Chair. To the chair of the judiciary. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Ms. Clark who is ava atul . The chairman im not familiar with. Shes an 87yearold prolife advocate that survived the communist concentration camp in yugoslavia after world war ii that you guys have charged under the safe act for praying and singing in front of an abortion clinic. Thats the best use of the Justice Departments time and energy. As noted the state act is a law that was bypassed in response to distract axis from Reproductive Health clinic threatss of violence and follow the facts and apply the law without fear or favor mr. Chairman. Really quickly think we have heard a lot about today about how if you are prolife you get the full treatment that ava atul ava concentration camp survivor. If youre on the other side after the Dobbs Decision its a different issue. In spite of what you said that you apply equally acrosstheboard. How about your decision to file the lawsuit of the can you talk to me about that . Is chairman. Did yvons purchase of twitter have anything with the Justice Departments planned to file that lists it could expand the investigation into safe act was open during the last administration had we filed an administrative action under the immigration and nationality act and important law passed by this body with bipartisan support by president reagan. What do you think the spacex did wrong . In this case we alleged the company is not compliant with the antidiscrimination provision of the immigration and nationality act. The law thats been. Describe it again. Here they are discriminating against people who have received refugee and asylum status by our federal courts. They are discriminating against refugees and asylumseekers . No chairman. Against people who have received Refugee Status and asylum status by federal courts who enjoy equal standing under the federal law to u. S. Citizens and naturalized citizens. The law requires equal treatment to these individuals. You are saying spacex did not hire enough refugees are people who have been granted asylum cracks is that what you are asserting . They discourage those people from applying for any job whether any custodial position of clerk someone who works in the kitchen all the way up through. You are saying spacex because they hired too many americans, too many citizens . Not enough people who are refugees or people who have been granted asylum . In this investigation started three yearssy ago. I know the facts it started three years ago and he is bring the lawsuit after twitter now x is that right . We apply the laws without favor. And mr. Musks assertion is they are dealing with National Security type information at spacex and thats why he posted it and thats why they focused on hiring people who have a green card and you guys say this is something we need to go after spacex because they arent kari ring and the americans and we need to charge ava atullu 87 years old concentration camp survivor thats what the Justice Department abide Administration Needs to do. Oh by the way we dont know anything about it and we didnt wait and on the issue were governor of the state told the citizens they are american citizens you cannot not exercise your second minute right cursory to the law and you try to tell us its not political. Frankly i find it almost that you make that argument because anyone with common sense and any objectivity can see you are definitely political and i back. I think the Judiciary Committee chairman. Id. Like to ask unanimous consent to insert them to record a letter from mr. Paul taylor executive director of American Freedom to attorney general garland secretary cardona that is noting the significant spike in antisemitic violence across the United States and asking the department of justice to transfer jurisdiction over these matters to ensure there following up with numerous groups across the country. And i now recognize the gentlelady from wyoming. Thank you mr. Chair. Assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke the cpb issued a joint statement about incredible opportunities for nonsystem borrows under the equal opportunity credit act but a site yount a letter on november6 that have yet to receive a response. Did you know the Civil Rights Divisione enforces the equal credit opportunity act in your quoted in the press release for this guidance which warns banks not to use immigration status including whether an individual is lawfully present in the country to determine the ability to take that long. The joint statement admits the equal credit opportunity act does not expressr a privet consideration of status. This appears to be an attempt to dissuade her Financial Institutions from considering all permitted to ride for payments which could cause Severe Damage to her Financial Institution that seems to me your position is to build beyond the intent of congress and using implied threats to utter the failed immigration policies which make the situation is so imported wares. Miss ms. Subsisting what authority do you have to instruct Financial Institutions on this matter considering your statement explicitly admits that tcla does not prohibit immigration status . Thank you congresswoman. As was noted in the letter that wewe issued with the department Protection Bureau the law contemplates that a person of immigration status in conjunction with other factors could be relevant to determining repayment prospects. Considering immigration status permitted by the law for was the purpose of issuing this joint statement . To clarify specifically the laws that congress requires to seek clarity. The sequestration was positions are required to loan money to illegal aliens . No. When can i expect a response to my letter . I will consult with their office of legislative affairs to ensure you receive a response from them. Including all the questions that ive asked . Guess it will work with our office of legislative affairs to respond. Have youve been contacted by Financial Institutions about the statement . No congresswoman. Have you taken any steps to introduce Financial Institutions are aware of what the law actually says . Guess. Yes its a document intended to provide clarity and we want to ensure that they are following the law and not running afoul of the law. Have you taken any actions against any Financial Institution turning down illegal aliens for loans . No. So what additional action have you in the Civil Rights Division taken . Our partners at cfpb for example recently took action against an institution that engaged. For what purpose . Discrimination based on natural origin in violation of the law. Is that a pending. Case right now . It is a recent settlement in a recent resolution secure by cfpb at the Civil Rights Division ensures banks and lenders engaged in redlining or any conduct. You are kind of force them to illegal aliens when they takeke that fact into consideration to determine who may be entitled to alone . Is that correct . We expect them to comply with the letter of the law. Without i yield my rename remaining time to chair. I think the gentlelady from wyoming. You were a private citizen in the position youre in an april 2020. There was a protest in front of the Texas State Capitol in the video im looking at it was right under my oval office when i worked at the capitol building. They were and americans gathered texans and depleted quote these people should be publicly identified and named barred from treatment at any Public Hospital if and when they fall ill and denied coverage under their insurance and quote. That is a tweet. Earlier i asked you to repudiate the statement about defunding the police and you neither repudiated or stood by it. My question to you as the head of the Civil Rights Division, Civil Liberties of the United States of america you said these people should be publicly identified part from treatment at any Public Hospital if they fall ill and denied coverage under their insurance. Does the gentlelady stand by that statement . I believe that every american should have access to health care in our country. I dont know the context for that statement. I would imagine it was issued during the heat of the pandemic that chair i sit before you with a commitment to ensuring that all americans are treated fairly and equally under the law. You stand by that statement and similarly to the statement at the earlier hearing but with that that concludes todays hearing and we thank you ms. Subsisting d for appearing o the Committee Without objection know members will have five legislative days to submit materials for the record. Without objection, this hearing is adjourned. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]