U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
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Sens. Menendez, Durbin, Cruz Issue Statement on Crisis in Bolivia
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement with Sens. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in reaction to the crisis in Bolivia following the resignation of Evo Morales as President:
"Earlier this year the U.S. Senate passed our Resolution recognizing the achievements of Bolivia's first indigenous president, but also warning about unchecked power and the dismantling of democratic institutions.
"We also noted the risks of ignoring constitutional term limits and
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement with Sens. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in reaction to the crisis in Bolivia following the resignation of Evo Morales as President:
"Earlier this year the U.S. Senate passed our Resolution recognizing the achievements of Bolivia's first indigenous president, but also warning about unchecked power and the dismantling of democratic institutions.
"We also noted the risks of ignoring constitutional term limits andweakening the credibility of the Bolivian election commission. These warnings were unfortunately ignored.
"Not surprisingly, this very lack of support for democratic principles transformed into widespread public dismay following credible allegations of fraud in the first round of elections, as clearly documented by the Organization of American States.
"The United States must work with its partners in the Americas to support the OAS audit of the Bolivian elections and the Bolivian people must be permitted to exercise their most fundamental democratic right free of interference.
"In this moment of uncertainty, it is of the utmost importance that Bolivian authorities also take all necessary steps to maintain a civilian led democratic constitutional transition that culminates with a free, fair, and transparent elections within 90 days--as required under the Bolivian constitution. As noted by the OAS, this effort must include the appointment of an objective and credible electoral council.
"Amidst the current political tensions, we urge the Bolivian people to commit to a peaceful solution and respect for the rule of law. There is no place for violence from any side in a democratic process."
Sen. Udall Issues Statement Opposing Nomination of Wolf as Homeland Security Under Secretary
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, issued the following statement after Chad Wolf was confirmed by the Senate as Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans at the Homeland Security Department:
President Trump is expected to circumventing Congress and installing Wolf to be acting Secretary of Homeland Security.
"Despite denying his involvement in President Trump's shameful child separation policy, recent reports show that Mr. Wolf continuously supported and implemented the Trump administration's family separation policy which intentionally sowed fear and chaos
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, issued the following statement after Chad Wolf was confirmed by the Senate as Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans at the Homeland Security Department:
President Trump is expected to circumventing Congress and installing Wolf to be acting Secretary of Homeland Security.
"Despite denying his involvement in President Trump's shameful child separation policy, recent reports show that Mr. Wolf continuously supported and implemented the Trump administration's family separation policy which intentionally sowed fear and chaosthrough immigrant communities in New Mexico and across the country.
"Now, President Trump is circumventing Congress and putting Mr. Wolf in charge of DHS, despite his deep involvement in this and other immoral Trump immigration policies.
"The Trump family separation policy has resulted in lasting trauma for thousands of children and families - most of whom had already experienced grave hardship, fleeing their home countries in search of safety at our borders. Family separation continues to be a stain on our nation's history, and many families that were previously separated have still not been reunited.
"Mr. Wolf also supported the national emergency declaration at the border to raid congressionally-appropriated military construction funds to build Trump's wall and the Muslim Travel Ban. Because of Mr. Wolf's record at DHS, he is unsuitable to lead the agency in any capacity, let alone as acting Secretary. If President Trump wants Mr. Wolf as his Secretary of Homeland Security, he should nominate him for that job so that the Senate can fully vet his record in full view of the American people."
Rep. Sarbanes Issues Statement on President Trump Inviting Turkish President to White House
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. John P. Sarbanes, D-Maryland, issued the following statement:
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- Amid Turkey's Brazen Military Campaign in Northern Syria Against America's Kurdish Allies and After the 2017 Assault by President Erdogan's Bodyguards on Peaceful Protestors in Washington, Sarbanes Condemns President Trump's White House Meeting with President Erdogan
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Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the White House and held a joint press conference in the East Room.
"President
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. John P. Sarbanes, D-Maryland, issued the following statement:
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- Amid Turkey's Brazen Military Campaign in Northern Syria Against America's Kurdish Allies and After the 2017 Assault by President Erdogan's Bodyguards on Peaceful Protestors in Washington, Sarbanes Condemns President Trump's White House Meeting with President Erdogan
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Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the White House and held a joint press conference in the East Room.
"PresidentErdogan has embraced authoritarian rule in all of its sinister dimensions, including the jailing of thousands of journalists and persecution of political rivals.
"In a direct affront to the United States, he has unleashed his bodyguards to brutally assault peaceful protesters on American soil, threatened NATO's security by purchasing an advanced Russian missile defense system and most recently launched a vicious military campaign against Kurdish communities in Northern Syria. For these and so many other reasons, Erdogan is wholly undeserving of an invitation to the White House. President Trump's decision to host him there is a deep insult to democracy, free speech, self-determination and common decency."
Congressman Sarbanes has been a longstanding and forceful critic of President Erdogan and Turkey.
- In May of 2017, Congressman Sarbanes condemned the attack on peaceful protestors - on American soil - by President Erdogan's Turkish bodyguards. He delivered additional remarks denouncing the attack in June of 2017.
- After the attack by President Erdogan's bodyguards, Congressman Sarbanes called on the Trump Administration to prevent the sale of firearms and ammunition to the Turkish President's security forces.
- In December of 2017, Congressman Sarbanes joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to demand that the Trump Administration publicly call on Turkey to cease its politically motivated prosecution of human rights defenders.
- In April of 2018, Congressman Sarbanes questioned the Trump Administration's misguided decision to drop charges against President Erdogan's bodyguards who violently assaulted peaceful protestors.
- In June of 2018, Congressman Sarbanes led a bipartisan effort urging the Trump Administration to block the sale and delivery of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet to Turkey - an effort that ultimately succeeded.
- In October of 2019, Congressman Sarbanes blasted President Trump's reckless decision to betray America's Syrian Kurdish partners and allow Turkey to launch a military offensive against Kurdish communities in Northern Syria.
- In October, Congressman Sarbanes voted for H.J. Res. 77, a bipartisan resolution opposing President Donald J. Trump's decision to abandon America's Syrian Kurdish allies and criticizing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for launching a brutal military offensive against the Kurds in northern Syria.
- In October, Congressman Sarbanes sharply criticized the Trump Administration for lifting sanctions on Turkey.
- In October, Congressman Sarbanes also voted to pass H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act, a bill to punish Turkey for launching a ruthless military campaign in northern Syria. The bill would also require the Trump Administration to safeguard America's national security interests and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Rep. Meeks Issues Statement on La Saline Massacre Anniversary
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement regarding the anniversary of the La Saline Massacre:
"On this day one year ago, armed gangs in Haiti committed unspeakable atrocities, killing at least 71 Haitians and injuring countless more.
"Homes were destroyed, families were displaced, and women and children were abused throughout the four-day period known as La Saline Massacre.
"The anniversary of La Saline Massacre reminds us not just of the violence Haitians suffered at the hands of these gangs,
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement regarding the anniversary of the La Saline Massacre:
"On this day one year ago, armed gangs in Haiti committed unspeakable atrocities, killing at least 71 Haitians and injuring countless more.
"Homes were destroyed, families were displaced, and women and children were abused throughout the four-day period known as La Saline Massacre.
"The anniversary of La Saline Massacre reminds us not just of the violence Haitians suffered at the hands of these gangs,but of the justice they've yet to see and the perpetrators yet to face.
"The United States urges Haiti to hold those involved responsible through its justice system. This would both provide victims and their families justice, but also deter further acts of violence that continue to erupt throughout Haiti."
Rep. Maloney Issues Statement on Committee Passage of Resolution on ERA Ratification
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee passage a resolution (H.J.Res. 79) removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment:
"Thanks to incredible ERA advocates in Virginia, less than one year after Republicans blocked the state's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment by one vote, a new pro-ERA majority has been elected to the state legislature.
"This all but guarantees that Virginia will become the needed 38th state to ratify the ERA soon after this new legislature is sworn in this
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee passage a resolution (H.J.Res. 79) removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment:
"Thanks to incredible ERA advocates in Virginia, less than one year after Republicans blocked the state's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment by one vote, a new pro-ERA majority has been elected to the state legislature.
"This all but guarantees that Virginia will become the needed 38th state to ratify the ERA soon after this new legislature is sworn in thiscoming January.
"States were asked to ratify and add to the constitution the following language: 'Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.' Thirty-seven states ratified the ERA, only one more is needed for the ERA to be the 28th amendment to the Constitution.
"Now, one hundred years after women won the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment, it is time for women's full equality to be written into the Constitution. We can and we will make it happen."
Rep. Lipinski Statement on Impeachment Inquiry Public Hearings
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Illinois, issued the following statement on impeachment inquiry public hearings:
Nov. 13 "begins the first public hearing in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. It's the first public impeachment inquiry hearing in more than two decades and is a significant moment for our nation.
"I encourage the American public to pay close attention and weigh the evidence with an open mind.
"The president was duly elected, and Congress must be careful and thoughtful when it considers the case against him.
"I have always supported Congress conducting oversight
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Illinois, issued the following statement on impeachment inquiry public hearings:
Nov. 13 "begins the first public hearing in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. It's the first public impeachment inquiry hearing in more than two decades and is a significant moment for our nation.
"I encourage the American public to pay close attention and weigh the evidence with an open mind.
"The president was duly elected, and Congress must be careful and thoughtful when it considers the case against him.
"I have always supported Congress conducting oversightof presidents - no matter the party - and will carefully deliberate over the facts presented.
"It is imperative that this inquiry is done in a fair and open manner so the public can also make a determination based on those facts.
"This will be a long and difficult process, as it should be. The seriousness of this matter requires it."
Rep. Higgins Issues Statement on Death of Rev. Monsignor Gallagher
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following statement on the death of Rev. Monsignor Bill Gallagher:
"Monsignor Bill Gallagher lived a life of service to his country in the United States Army, to his Western New York community, and to his beloved church.
"With Monsignor Gallagher, you always knew where he stood, and he, without question, stood with the people.
"He was a man of acceptance and peace, starting each of his masses with the words "you are welcome here" and while there is great sadness in our loss of this faithful ambassador there is peace in knowing
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following statement on the death of Rev. Monsignor Bill Gallagher:
"Monsignor Bill Gallagher lived a life of service to his country in the United States Army, to his Western New York community, and to his beloved church.
"With Monsignor Gallagher, you always knew where he stood, and he, without question, stood with the people.
"He was a man of acceptance and peace, starting each of his masses with the words "you are welcome here" and while there is great sadness in our loss of this faithful ambassador there is peace in knowingMonsignor Gallagher is now receiving the same welcome at the gates of heaven."
