The Confirmation Hearing for Ms. Abudo: Concerns Raised by Senator Cruz

💼Senator Cruz expresses concerns about the pattern of nominating ideological zealots to the courts.

💔Senator Cruz questions Ms. Abudo's nomination due to her past work at the Southern Poverty Law Center, a place he describes as hateful and extreme.

🔎Senator Cruz confronts Ms. Abudo about her employer's characterization of the Family Research Council as comparable to the KKK or the Nazi Party.

🤔Senator Cruz challenges Ms. Abudo's refusal to answer his questions about agreeing with her employer's statements.

🇺🇸Senator Cruz highlights the importance of fairness and equal access to justice in a court with a judge who has an advocacy history.

What concerns does Senator Cruz raise during the hearing?

—Senator Cruz raises concerns about Ms. Abudo's past work at the Southern Poverty Law Center and her refusal to answer questions about her employer's characterization of certain individuals as white supremacists.

What is the Southern Poverty Law Center?

—The Southern Poverty Law Center is an organization known for its civil rights work, but Senator Cruz describes it as a hateful and extreme place.

What was the 2012 shooting at the Family Research Council?

—In 2012, a shooting took place at the Family Research Council, where a gunman targeted and shot multiple members. The shooter had visited the Southern Poverty Law Center website, which classified the Family Research Council as a hate group.

Does Ms. Abudo agree with her employer's characterization of the Family Research Council?

—Ms. Abudo refuses to answer questions about whether she agrees with her employer's statements.

Why does Senator Cruz emphasize his immigrant background?

—Senator Cruz highlights his immigrant background to express his concerns about the Southern Poverty Law Center labeling individuals as white supremacists or Klansmen, which he finds offensive.

00:00Senator Cruz raises concerns about the pattern of nominating ideological zealots to the courts.

02:11Senator Cruz questions Ms. Abudo's nomination due to her past work at the Southern Poverty Law Center, a place he describes as hateful and extreme.

03:08Senator Cruz confronts Ms. Abudo about her employer's characterization of the Family Research Council as comparable to the KKK or the Nazi Party.

03:32Senator Cruz challenges Ms. Abudo's refusal to answer his questions about agreeing with her employer's statements.

05:31Senator Cruz highlights the importance of fairness and equal access to justice in a court with a judge who has an advocacy history.