During a confirmation hearing for a high-ranking Justice Department nominee, Sen. Ted Cruz accused the agency of abusing its power as part of its involvement in Operation Choke Point.

“By cutting off financial resources to lawful small businesses, Operation Choke Point is an abuse of power that undermines the integrity of the DOJ,” Cruz, R-Texas, said at Wednesday’s hearing.

Stuart Delery, nominee for associate attorney general, faced questions about his involvement in a program that critics say targeted legal but politically unpopular industries such as firearm and ammunition manufacturers.

>>> Read More: Meet 4 Business Owners Squeezed by Operation Choke Point

Throughout the questioning, Delery maintained that neither he nor the Justice Department did anything wrong in signing off on Operation Choke Point.