Attorney General Jeff Sessions told lawmakers Tuesday that accusations he knew about or participated in possible collusion with the Russia government during the 2016 election constitute an "appalling and detestable lie."
Appearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sessions addressed a range of issues, including accusations that he had knowledge of or was directly involved in Russian efforts to interfere in the presidential election to boost President Donald Trump's campaign.
"I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign," Sessions said.
He added that to suggest otherwise was to impugn his record of service.
"I was your colleague in this body [the Senate] for 20 years, at least some of you, 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 process, is an appalling and detestable lie," Sessions said.
The attorney general promised to defend his honor against "scurrilous and false allegations."
AG Jeff Sessions says he will defend his honor against "scurrilous and false allegations" https://t.co/4sZzX60xpA https://t.co/k9nvaTu8Ap
— CNN (@CNN) June 13, 2017
Sessions served as a senator from Alabama for 20 years before being appointed attorney general. Prior to his time in Congress, Sessions served as attorney general of Alabama from 1994 to 1996.