Cruz rips into Garland over 'misleading' Jackson testimony

Texas Republican demands a 'full accounting' after White House officials fail to disclose details on sentencing

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has accused White House officials of misleading the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation hearing for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, saying they failed to disclose key information on sentencing.

Cruz, who is seen as a likely candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, made the allegations during a heated exchange with Attorney General Merrick Garland on the third day of the hearing.

Cruz questioned Garland about Jackson's sentencing record, specifically her handling of child pornography cases. He accused Garland of withholding information about Jackson's decisions in these cases, saying that the White House had provided "misleading and incomplete" testimony.

Garland defended the White House's handling of the confirmation process, saying that all of the relevant information had been provided to the committee. He also said that he had complete confidence in Jackson's ability to serve on the Supreme Court.

The exchange between Cruz and Garland was one of several tense moments during the confirmation hearing. Cruz has been one of the most vocal critics of Jackson's nomination, and he has repeatedly questioned her qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court.

Jackson, who would be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, has defended her record and said that she is committed to upholding the Constitution.

The confirmation hearing is expected to continue for several more days. It is unclear whether Cruz's allegations will have any impact on Jackson's chances of being confirmed.