Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley was given his turn to question Attorney General nominee John Ashcroft during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today. Grassley, a republican, told Ashcroft he was concerned about concentration in agriculture. Ashcroft said he worked with Grassley as a senator from Missouri, and would continue to do so if confirmed as Attorney General.Grassley says he’s particularly concerned about the merger of Tyson Foods and I-B-P. Grassley also asked Ashcroft if he would support bankruptcy reform legislation that was passed, but later vetoed by President Clinton.Ashcroft says he supported the legislation and would continue to do so if the president backs the legislation. Grassley asked Ashcroft if he would defend the constitutionality of the “False Claims Act” that helps recover wasted taxpayer money. Ashcroft responded that he would treat the law with respect.
