
In a statement Thursday, however, the Justice Department said Sessions recused himself in light of his participation in President Donald Trump's campaign, and "it was for that reason, and that reason alone".
Later, Sessions acknowledged he had had two meetings with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.
Sessions, a longtime senator before being tapped by US President Donald Trump as the nation's top law officer, announced the decision in a letter Saturday in which he referred to remarks made by fired Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey in the same forum.
In a letter on Saturday to Senator Richard Shelby Mr Sessions said that he had been scheduled to discuss the Justice Department budget before House and Senate Appropriations sub-committees but that it had become clear some members would focus their questions on the Russian Federation investigation.
Richard Shelby, Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Sessions cited public statements of some members that they would use their time with Sessions to ask him questions about the Russian Federation issue instead of the purported subject of discussion, the Department of Justice's FY 2018 budget.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and another member of the Judiciary Committee, said both Sessions and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch should appear.
Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman to arrive in Pyongyang
And at that initial meeting Rodman said he could bring a basketball team over to play in front of the North Korean people. The President previously tweeted: "The only American who has met with the North Korean man child is Dennis Rodman ".
Sessions noted that several lawmakers on those panels had said they meant to ask him about the Russian Federation investigation, after testimony by former FBI director James Comey before the intelligence committee Thursday.
Sessions recused himself from a federal investigation into contacts between Russia and the Trump campaign after acknowledging that he had met twice a year ago with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. He said during his confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign.
Comey said during his testimony that he asked a friend to release contents of the memos he'd written about his conversations with the president to a reporter.
And, given Trump's statement that he had been thinking about the Russian Federation investigation when he chose to fire Comey, the former FBI director expressed doubt when asked whether Sessions had adhered to his recusal. The Justice Department has denied that, saying Sessions stressed to Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies. There had been some question as to whether the hearing would be open to the public, but the Justice Department said Monday he requested it be so because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him".
Sessions had told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing in January that he hadn't met with Russians during the campaign. The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, will appear in place of Sessions at the budget review. Feinstein said she was especially concerned after National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers refused to answer questions from the intelligence committee about possible undue influence by Trump.
"There's an unpredictability. He projects an instability", Feinstein said. Reed was on "Fox News Sunday".
Monk in as Middlesbrough's new boss
The club are believed to be edging closer to an agreement with Leeds United over left-back Charlie Taylor. He said: "It's important to make clear it was two separate situations".
Harry Kane to retain England captaincy for France friendly
He said: "We have a lot of competition in the more advanced positions in midfield but we've not got great cover in deeper positions in that department".
Assassin's Creed: Origins to Release October 27, According to Leak Assassin's Creed: Origins has been confirmed not to use a button to sprint as running speed will vary on the analogue stick. In Assassin's Creed Origins , players assume the the role of Bayek who is described as a "protector of Egypt".
Warriors' Green will be on the court for this Finals Game 5 The Warriors were called for twice as many fouls as the Cavaliers in the first quarter. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak). You've got to get off the court. "It's like, 'Whoa.' You remember what can be, what can happen".
Follow Windows Central's #XboxE3 live blog and find out about Project Scorpio!
Please note, this deal ends today , so you only have a limited to make the decision and buy the one you are interested in. And Sony will look to make its big splash that evening at 9 p.m., getting in the last word before the booths open.
Iran says it has killed mastermind of twin attacks Tehran police said the vehicle the attackers used on Wednesday was discovered on Saturday in the city centre. The parliament hosted a funeral ceremony for the victims in Tehran on Friday attended by the top brass.
Hope Trump will rethink Paris Climate Accord decision: Rajnath
Almost 200 countries are part of the accord and have agreed to fight global warming by reducing carbon emissions. Perhaps Trump felt the need to throw red meat to his base.
Jennifer Lawrence's private jet forced to make emergency landing
However, until more details have been disclosed, he can not give his certain opinion regarding how serious the incident was. The flight reportedly was departing from Louisville, Kentucky, which is Lawrence's hometown.
Jury hears Bill Cosby's apology for 2004 sexual encounter But he said in the deposition that he did not intend to get the foundation involved in the proposed payments to Andrea Constand. An analysis of the pills conducted by National Medical Services in August 2015 determined the pink pills to be Benadryl.
Uber Executives Travis Kalanick, Emil Michael Facing Possible Ouster Kalanick was well aware of Alexander's behavior according to Recode , and chose to do nothing until reports appeared in the press. Uber confirmed to the BBC that Alexander no longer worked at the firm - but offered no further comment.
Man arrested for driving vehicle into pedestrians in Amsterdam
No further details were immediately provided, including whether police believed the incident was a terror attack. The station remained open following the incident, although the entrance near the site of the crash was closed.
London Bridge attacker tried to rent larger truck
Media in Italy claim Zaghba was stopped by the authorities in Bologna a year ago when he was en route to Syria. London police have said 12 other people from Barking held since the attack have been freed.
Messi Wants to Remain at Barca This means Messi will be at the Catalan club at least until 2021 and his new deal will include a release clause of €400m (£347.2m, $450m).
12-Year-Old Delivers Her Baby Brother in Emotional Moment
This time around, Jacee began making her case for being at the delivery as soon as she learned her mother was pregnant again. The post by Nikki Smith has been shared more than 169,000 times and liked more than 189,000 times.
'A star is born!' - The moment Ostapenko clinches French Open title Ostapenko was too charitable with her unforced errors, striking 23. - Venus said after winning his first grand slam title. Prediction: A quarter-final appearance for Ostapenko, who takes out at least one top contender along the way.