1. SOUNDBITE (English) William Barr, Attorney General Nominee:
"The attorney general must ensure that the administration of justice the enforcement of the law is above and away from politics. Nothing could be more destructive of our system of government of the rule of law or the Department of Justice as an institution than any toleration of political interference with the enforcement of the law."
2. Cutaway of committee members
3. SOUNDBITE (English) William Barr, Attorney General Nominee:
"President Trump has sought no assurances, promises or commitments from me of any kind, either express or implied, and I have not given him any other than that I would run the department with professionalism and integrity."
4. Wide shot of hearing
8 . SOUNDBITE (English) William Barr, Attorney General Nominee:
"I believe it is vitally important that the special counsel be allowed to complete his investigation. I have known Bob Mueller for 30 years. We work closely together throughout my previous tenure at the Department of Justice. We've been friends since and I have the utmost respect for Bob and his distinguished record of public service. And when he was named special counsel I said his selection was good news and that knowing him, I had confidence he would handle the matter properly and I still have that confidence today. Given his public actions to date, I expect that the special counsel is well along in his investigation. At the same time, the president has been steadfast that he was not involved in any collusion with Russian attempts to interfere in the election. I believe it is in the best interests of everyone, the president ,Congress and the American people, that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work. The country needs a credible resolution to these issues and if confirmed, I will not permit partisan politics, personal interests or any other improper consideration to interfere with this or any other investigation. I will follow the special counsel regulations scrupulously and in good faith and on my watch Bob will be allowed to finish his work."
President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general told senators Tuesday "it is vitally important" that special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to complete his Russia investigation
William Barr said at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing that it is in "the best interest of everyone...that this matter be resolved," adding, "the country needs a credible resolution to these issues."
Barr said he believes Congress and the public must learn the results.
He also insisted that Trump never sought any promises, assurances or commitments before selecting him to be the country's chief law enforcement officer.
