I believe we're going to have a new and excellent FBI director, a person who is smart, disciplined, with integrity and proven judgment.

I cannot and will not violate my duty to protect the confidential communications I have with the President.

The specific reason, Mr. Chairman, is a CFR, a Code of Federal Regulations...

Such interference can never be tolerated and I encourage every effort to get to the bottom of any such allegations.

Importantly, as Attorney General I have a responsibility to enforce the laws of this Nation, to protect this country from its enemies, and to ensure the fair administration of justice.

The people of this country expect an honest and transparent government and that's what we're giving them.

Senator Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign, and I did not--didn't have--did not have communications with the Russians, and--and I'm unable to comment on it.

I'm not able to share with this committee private communications.

This President wants to focus on the people of this country, to ensure they are treated fairly and kept safe.

I think the appropriate thing would've been for Director Comey to talk with the Acting Deputy Attorney General.

I have never met with or had any conversation with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States.

I do not recall any of those individuals having any meeting with Russian officials.

I think it's my responsibility. I mean, I was appointed to be Attorney General.

After careful consideration, following meetings with career Department officials over the course of this past several weeks, the Attorney General has decided to recuse himself from any existing or future investigations of any matters…

Why don't you have a staff meeting and then come out with some great proposals and work with Congress to get something done in a meaningful way?

Odd and a bit clumsy.

This has all been part of politics. But what was a little odd about this today was it was -- it was clearly scripted.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions now just hours away from testifying in public before a Senate committee investigating Russia's meddling in the election.