An 'appalling and detestable lie': Sessions forcefully denies colluding with Russians

• Attorney General Jeff Sessions adamantly denied that he colluded with Russia in its 2016 election meddling efforts.
• He said that the suggestion that he was involved is an "appalling and detestable lie."
• Sessions did not name any individuals who may have accused him of collusion.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday called the suggestion that he may have colluded with Russia in its interference in the 2016 election a lie.

In a passionate opening statement at a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sessions said, "the suggestion that I participated in any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process is an appalling and detestable lie."

He did not identify any individuals who may have accused him of colluding with the Kremlin.

Sessions also denied having any talks with Russians about interference in the election.

"Let me state this clearly, colleagues. I have never met with or had any conversation with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States. Further, I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign," the attorney general said.

More from CNBC:
Sessions: I have 'no knowledge' of Trump campaign collusion with Russia
How Jeff Sessions fits into the Russia investigation and the firing of James Comey

This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.