FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7, 2023
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Project Statement on Tennessee Expulsion Vote of Two House Democrats
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, One Country Project issued the following statement in the wake of the Tennessee House of Representatives actions this week, expelling two Democrats from its legislature:"This week our nation witnessed a blatant assault on the democratic process as the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee House of Representatives brought motions to expel three Democratic members from the chamber.
"Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson - both black men - were both expelled from the chamber in a straight party line vote. Representative Gloria Johnson - a white woman - survived her expulsion vote as some Republican members defected to vote against the expulsion resolution.
"When asked what she felt the difference was in the outcome of her vote, Rep. Johnson said 'It’s pretty clear. I’m a 60-year-old white woman. They’re both young black men.'
"We simply cannot condone this sort of naked abuse of power by the Republican supermajority in Tennessee. Or in any other state, for that matter.
"Rather than debating the merits of an issue or allowing bills to come to the floor that might run counter to their policy preferences, the republican supermajority in the Tennessee House has decided to silence any dissent or debate.
"This authoritarian behavior is a chilling reminder that our nation’s institutions and traditions are under assault by the unrelenting pressure of extremist right-wing politicians across the country.
"The One Country Project board denounces these actions in the strongest possible terms."
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About One Country ProjectRural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring Rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.