Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the committee, challenged Tillerson over his relationship with Russia.
During the hearing, the former Exxon Mobil CEO was asked about his company’s lobbying activities against sanctions the Obama administration placed on Russia.
Tillerson said he “never lobbied against sanctions” and wasn’t aware of Exxon directly lobbying against sanctions. However, Tillerson did admit to having a conversation with the Republican chair of the committee to explain the potential impact on business.
Murphy challenged Tillerson’s statement.
"In your mind, calling a United States senator to express your belief that sanctions would be ineffective is not lobbying," Murphy said. "I would argue that’s a distinction without a difference. If you are calling a United States senator on the phone to express your belief that sanctions that would affect your company would be ineffective -- that likely constitutes lobbying."
Watch Murphy's first round of questions to Tillerson:
Murphy said after the hearing that he's concerned about Tillerson's level of commitment to sanctions against Russia for its interference in the recent U.S. election.
