Durbin stands by ‘back of the bus’ comment

Despite Republican criticism, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Thursday that he stands behind his “back of the bus” comment regarding the nomination of Loretta Lynch for attorney general.

“I think it’s insensitive to have such an outstanding nominee for attorney general be delayed beyond any time that any attorney general nominee has been held for the last 30 years,” he said. “She is an extraordinary voice.”

On Wednesday, Durbin ripped Republicans for holding up a confirmation vote on Lynch, saying the first black female attorney general is being asked to “sit in the back of the bus when it comes to the Senate calendar.”

Durbin was alluding to Rosa Parks, an African-American civil rights activist who was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) fired back at Durbin, calling his remarks “misguided, shameful, and as their own record in the majority shows, hypocritical.” Grassley said Senate Republicans have made a bill that would help end the sex and labor trafficking of women and children a priority.

“Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to block this important, bipartisan legislation because of liberal special interest groups’ demands,” he said.

“This is especially disappointing, considering that Democrats had the opportunity last year to make the anti-trafficking bill, along with Ms. Lynch’s confirmation, a priority, but they chose to focus on other, more controversial items. “

On Thursday, Durbin said Lynch’s nomination should not be tied to the trafficking bill.

“She’d be an exceptional attorney general,” he said. “Why in the world is her fate tied to the passage of the bill on the floor. She ought to move forward and be approved this week before we leave.” 

If the Senate fails to act this week on Lynch’s nomination, a vote could be delayed until April. The Senate is set to go on a two-week recess one week from Friday.