I can assure you that none of those meetings discussed manipulating a campaign in the United States in any way, shape, or form, or any hacking or any such ideas like that.

I can say that absolutely and I have no hesitation to do so.

I agreed with those. In fact, Senator Warner, we had talked about it even before I was confirmed and before he was confirmed.

I came there not knowing he was going to be there. I don't have any recollection of even knowing he would be there.

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

I think he probably was required to tell Congress that it wasn't over, that new evidence had been developed.

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

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

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

I recuse myself from defending my honor against careless and false allegations.

I wouldn't think that would be appropriate for me to do.

Our recommendation was put in writing. And I believe it was correct.

Well, I would've been shocked and I would've known it was improper.

And the suggestion that I participated in any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our Democratic…

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

I recuse myself from any investigation into the campaign for president.

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

I never intended not to include that. I would have gladly have reported the meeting...

Senator, I'm protecting the president's constitutional right.

I'm protecting the President's constitutional right by not giving it away before he has a chance to view it.

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

I am protecting the right of the president to exert it -- assert it if he chooses.

that's just not right. And I believe it's likely that laws were violated if that actually occurred.

This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me. And I don't appreciate it.

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