The congressional alumni urged leadership to “shun” lawmakers who have used rhetoric advocating for a partisan divide, calling for them to use the tools available to them to help restore Americans’ faith that Congress is working for them.
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“We urge you, as division not seen since the Vietnam War defines our union, to abandon the politics of tribalism. We challenge you, as our representative democracy is under severe stress, to shun those who peddle hyper-partisanship for personal gain,” the letter states.
“We have walked in your shoes, and we understand from our own experience on Capitol Hill how easily an us-versus-them mindset can become a Member’s guiding principle. It will take great political courage and leadership to fundamentally alter the current acrimonious mentality, but for the good of the country you need to embrace a better path forward,” they wrote.
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Underscoring the seriousness of the trial, senators stood at the desk to be sworn in. They then walked to the front of the chamber in groups to sign the oath book.
A Senate leadership aide noted that senators were going to the desk where they signed the oath book one by one to maintain a socially distanced line, and that they were using sanitized pens.
The action came a day after the House impeachment article was delivered to the Senate.
Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms: All persons are commanded to keep silence on pain of imprisonment while the House of Representatives is exhibiting to the Senate of the United States articles of impeachment. pic.twitter.com/KCiKjqt1JG Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) January 26, 2021
Schumer praises McConnell for confirmation pace on Biden s Cabinet picks Follow Us
Question of the Day By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times - Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer praised Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday for a steady pace in confirming President Biden’s Cabinet picks, noting the parties also need to work together on COVID-19 relief.
His comments come as the Senate is expected to confirm Antony Blinken, Mr. Biden‘s nominee for secretary of state, Tuesday afternoon.
“We are off to a decent pace,” the New York Democrat said. “I appreciate the Republican leader’s cooperation and hope it will continue because the country needs that.”
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Arriola also asked for a pathway to citizenship for essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic and a provision that reunites families and welcomes asylum-seekers.
“Our mission is to transform America’s inhumane immigration system. We must undo the damage of the last four years and build a new immigration system that is fair, humane, functional, and centered in racial justice, and respects all people, regardless of race, religion, or birthplace,” Arriola wrote to Pelosi and Schumer.
Arriola also called on the Biden-Harris administration to complement Congress’s work by building on immigration executive actions they have already announced with actions like making major cuts to detention centers by releasing people and closing facilities and providing stability for immigrants without permanent status.
Schumer, who disclosed the detail to reporters during a press conference, didn t commit to using reconciliation a budget process that bypasses the 60-vote filibuster but warned that Democrats were willing to go it alone. We want to work with our Republican colleagues to advance this legislation, Schumer said. [But] we re keeping all our options open, on the table, including budget reconciliation.
ADVERTISEMENT In keeping our options open on our caucus call today I informed senators to be prepared that a vote on a budget resolution could come as early as next week, Schumer said.
Passing a budget resolution will set up a chaotic process on the floor where any senator who wants an amendment vote can get a vote, providing plenty of opportunities to squeeze senators with tough votes.