Kamlager-Dove Statement on Mike Johnson's Election as Speaker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2023
Media Contact: Maya Valentine | maya.valentine@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement after Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04), noted anti-abortion extremist and 2020 election denier, was elected as Speaker of the House:
“Today was a defeat for democracy and the American people and a victory for the extremist wing of the Republican Party, who dismantled the House’s ability to govern for three weeks just to elect the mastermind behind overturning the 2020 election that led to the insurrection on January 6th. As wars wage in the Middle East and Ukraine, our allies and our detractors are monitoring our every move. At a time when we should be resolve in finding bipartisan consensus, creating better futures for our families, and making clear to the world that the United States is a strong international partner, Rep. Johnson is no better for Speaker than his extremist friend Jim Jordan.
“We needed a Speaker who cared about bipartisanship, not a Speaker who supports a baseless, partisan inquiry into the President of the United States. We needed a Speaker who has made a commitment to supporting democracies at home and abroad, not a Speaker who encouraged an insurrection and denies the 2020 election results. We needed a Speaker who could have stood up for all people, not a Speaker who voted to shut down the government last month, makes it a priority to criminalize abortion, and tries to turn the clock back on LGBTQ+ rights. Mike Johnson is bad news and will enable a far-right economic agenda that includes devastating cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and nutrition assistance programs.
“While House Republicans have paralyzed the House for three weeks, House Democrats under Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been ready to prevent our government from shutting down, support our allies abroad, and better the lives of the American people.”
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