Senator testifying against Sessions over civil rights was singing a different tune a year ago

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) has not always been adamantly opposed to Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions, despite his unprecedented decision this week to testify against the Alabama lawmaker's appointment to attorney general.

In fact, last year, Booker seemed to be quite a fan of Sessions, whom he said he was "blessed and honored" to work with on civil rights issues.

Speaking in the Capitol Building in February, Booker thanked his Republican colleague for his help in honoring the 1965 "Foot Soldiers" who marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to raise awareness about civil rights for black Americans.

"I am humbled to be able to to participate here in paying tribute to some of the extraordinary Americans, whose footsteps paved the way for me and my generation," Booker said at the time. "I feel blessed and honored to have partnered with Sen. Sessions in being the Senate sponsors of this important award."

The New Jersey senator was speaking at a ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal, which is given to those whose work has left a profound mark on American society. Last year, the award was given the the 1965 "Foot Soldiers," commemorating their commitment to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Today, however, Booker has an altogether different view of Sessions. While he once praised him for his work regarding civil rights, the Democrat now finds his fellow senator's civil rights record "concerning" and "deeply troubling."

"The attorney general is responsible for ensuring the fair administration of justice, and based on his record, I lack confidence that Senator Sessions can honor this duty," Booker said in a statement on the matter.

Booker is slated to testify against Sessions Wednesday, when he will become the first sitting senator to testify against a fellow sitting senator for a Cabinet post. Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia is also expected to testify against Sessions.