**Title: Attorney General Bondi Faces Scrutiny at Senate Hearing**

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from Senate Judiciary Committee members on Tuesday as she defended her actions regarding the Justice Department. This marked her first appearance before the committee since her confirmation. The hearing took place amid ongoing concerns about the department's alleged politicization under President Donald Trump, particularly as federal agents are deployed to various American cities.

During the hearing, Bondi asserted that the Justice Department is refocusing on its core mission of combating crime. She praised local law enforcement for their cooperation with federal efforts, including the deployment of National Guard troops to cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis. However, her remarks were met with skepticism from Democrats, particularly Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, who criticized her for dismissing career prosecutors and scaling back anti-corruption initiatives. "In eight short months, you have fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain on American history," Durbin stated.

The hearing also highlighted the ongoing government shutdown, now in its seventh day, with both parties at an impasse. Democrats are demanding the extension of health care subsidies as a condition for supporting a short-term funding bill. Bondi, however, shifted the focus back to the Justice Department, insisting she has not politicized it despite the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, a frequent Trump critic.

Senator Amy Klobuchar pressed Bondi on whether she had discussed prosecuting Comey with Trump, but Bondi declined to answer. Comey is facing charges related to making false statements and obstruction of Congress. Klobuchar also questioned Bondi about a Trump social media post urging her to investigate Comey and other perceived political adversaries. Bondi responded, "I don't think [Trump] said anything he hasn't said for years."

The hearing took a contentious turn when Bondi refused to discuss the firings of Justice Department officials, stating, "I am not going to discuss personnel discussions." She emphasized that her team is focused on their work despite the government shutdown, which she blamed on Democratic lawmakers.

Senator Durbin accused Bondi of enabling a culture where political allies receive favorable treatment while opponents are targeted. He expressed concern that the Justice Department has become a "shield" for Trump and his allies, stating, "What’s happened to the rule of law during Trump’s second term would make even President Richard Nixon recoil."

Bondi defended her record, claiming she has upheld her commitment to avoid politicizing the Justice Department. She pointed to the FBI's recent analysis of phone records belonging to several Republican lawmakers as evidence of the department's previous politicization under the Biden administration.

As the hearing progressed, Bondi also faced questions about the legal justification for deploying National Guard troops in Chicago. She declined to provide details, stating, "I’m not going to discuss anything with you about that, senator."

The hearing underscored the ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and Congress, particularly regarding the perceived influence of the White House on legal matters. As the government shutdown continues, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges for both parties, with critical issues like health care and federal funding at the forefront of discussions.