Weekly Recap: What You Might Have Missed
As I write this, I’m preparing to return to Washington DC for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, to bear witness to our democratic republic’s centuries-old tradition of the peaceful transition of power.
Make no mistake that despite the violent attack on the Capitol, invited by a self-interested outgoing president, and his complicit political allies, the actual transfer of power will be based upon the radically peaceful act of millions of Americans voting to end the chaos and division of the past four years, and choosing a more hopeful future.
January 6th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, the realization of our founders’ darkest fears, in which a sitting president invited a violent attack against our own government. There must be accountability for those who participated in any way in the attempt to block or overthrow the counting of the electoral college votes by force. While we hear the impeached president’s supporters trying to deflect attention from his misconduct, and in many cases their own, with calls for unity, we must reject their suggestion that unity requires giving a free pass to those who have caused so much division and spread so many lies about our electoral system, that Americans were persuaded to launch a violent attack against their countrymen and women.
President Trump’s role in inciting the attack on the electoral college vote count, and his failure for hours to call off his supporters or defend the Capitol and the Americans inside, even as five died, made clear that he continues to present a clear and present danger to our country.
What we need to do now is use the tools of government, including impeachment, to unify behind holding accountable both the outgoing President and those who participated in the attack that has caused the deaths of at least six, and injury to scores more.
Here are some of the ways we fought for accountability last week:
Fought against baseless challenges to our democratic elections on the House floor
The violent attack on the Capital was only part of the outgoing President‘s effort to overturn the election. The invasion occurred in the midst of the ceremony to certify the electoral college votes, during which Trump’s allies made meritless objections to the electoral votes cast by Pennsylvania and other states. Once the Capitol was cleared of rioters, my colleagues and I returned to the House Chamber after midnight to defend Pennsylvania’s votes.
Listen here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1347081073252065280?s=21
Led the debate on the House floor calling on Vice President Mike Pence to convene and mobilize the principal officers to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment
If a President can refuse to acknowledge the will of American voters, then incite a coup to stay in power without punishment, then our democracy is lost. That’s why I called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.
Listen here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1349148815882915843?s=21
Rachel Maddow MSNBC: https://twitter.com/maddowblog/status/1349196185727332355?s=21
Called for impeachment on the House floor
It does not matter if a president incites a riot against Congress on their first day or their last. These calls for unity mean nothing without accountability.
This president is a clear and present danger to our country. He must be impeached and removed from office.
Listen here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1349449408618835968?s=21
Voted to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, again.
Our Constitution, the future of our republic, and the American people cannot wait. I urge a swift conviction from our colleagues in the Senate. Having a President who has incited and invited a riot is a national security threat every hour that he’s in office.
Appeared on MSNBC to discuss the attack on the Capitol and the ongoing threat to our country
The threat that manifested in the Capitol on January 6, 2021 is ongoing. The emergency is still with us. Reports suggest that the President’s supporters are threatening additional violence in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across the nation. We will not stop investigating the harrowing events that took place on January 6th until those responsible are held accountable.
Watch my interview here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w48Cgz_D_Pw
Honored the life & legacy of Dr. King through service
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a fervent reminder that we must honor his legacy through persistent action to build a more equitable, inclusive, and just world for this generation and the next. The Philadelphia region is home to the largest organized day of service in his honor. I was proud to support so many service projects organized in our community to bring attention to our continued need for action on environmental justice, hunger, and the fight for economic security!
I continue to meet with our local public health and community leaders each week as we work together to map our path out of this pandemic and towards recovery. Thank you for everything you’re doing to keep your friends, family, and neighbors safe. Keep social distancing. Keep wearing your mask, And wash your hands frequently. We know that these are challenging times, but we can support each other to come through stronger.
Our office is here to help as we navigate this crisis together. You can reach us by phone at 610- 626–2020 or by sending me a message through our website at scanlon.house.gov/contact.
