Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) blasted Republican Senators who passed new rules that allow them to hide from the press and keep their health care bill a secret.
After journalists had reported that they were being restricted from interviewing Senators, Harris tweeted:
Senators shouldn't need to hide. We serve the people & they have a right to know what we are doing. https://t.co/HqGadvoQQu
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) June 13, 2017
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The American people aren’t stupid either. Call your Senator and demand that the Republican health care plan be made public: (202) 224-3121. https://t.co/iCkaT4WPk6
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) June 13, 2017
Harris wasn’t alone in her criticism. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) tweeted:
Maybe not the right moment to lower the secrecy veil on Congress. To whoever is trying to protect Senators – we can fend for ourselves. https://t.co/YSbTuaIZKV
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 13, 2017
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) who is the ranking member of the Senate Rules Committee voiced her opposition:
As ranking member of the Senate Rules Committee I call on the majority to allow reporting in the Capitol to proceed as usual.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 13, 2017
People aren’t stupid. The rules were changed now to prevent journalists from reporting on the Senate Health Care bill. There is no other reason to deny access to Senators than to keep the health care bill a secret from the public.
McConnell’s actions are an attack on the public’s right to know. Trump and the Republican Party demonize journalists because they are the professionals who hold those in power accountable and keep citizens informed. Without journalists, people in power could do whatever they please and never be held accountable.
Republicans are taking the coward’s way out, and the American people are going to make them pay because the truth will not stay hidden forever.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
