Sen. McConnell Blocks Schumer Resolution Supporting Constitutional Right To Peacefully Protest & Condemning President Trump’s Order To Tear Gas Peaceful Protesters Outside The White House Last Night

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today made a unanimous consent request to immediately pass a resolution expressing the sense that the constitutional rights of Americans must be respected; that violence and looting are unlawful and unacceptable; and that Congress condemns the order to have federal officers use gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) objected to the request. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks:

Last night, as peaceful citizens exercised their constitutional right to protest in Lafayette Park across from the White House, federal law enforcement officers were ordered to clear out the crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets so that President Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo-op. He did not enter the church. He did not offer words of prayer. The crowds were dispersed with force so that he could get his picture taken, with a Bible that wasn’t his, held upside down, in front of a church he never asked to visit.

I spoke at length about these events this morning. The aggressive use of force on law-abiding protesters was appalling. It was an abuse of presidential power. It may have been illegal. And it was certainly a violation of the constitutional rights of American citizens. The protesters, some of them children, many of them families—they’re in a public park to peacefully protest—were met with rubber bullets and tear gas. This has no place in American society or any Democracy worthy of the name.

The president must cease his behavior. The images from last night should disturb all of us and must be condemned by the United States Senate. They cannot go unanswered, lest the president be encouraged to do even greater abuse because he has no self-restraint.

So in a few moments I will ask the Senate’s consent to pass a simple resolution that says three things. First, that the constitutional rights of Americans must be respected. Second, that violence and looting are unlawful and unacceptable. And third, that Congress condemns the order to have federal officers use gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters.

This resolution is not a substitute for the critical law enforcement and racial justice reforms that are badly needed. But this unconstitutional action by this lawless president requires a response from this body.

I hope all Senators will support this resolution. Democrats are outraged, and Republicans should be as outraged as well. For my friends on the other side who claimed to have not seen the events last night, I suggest you find a moment and turn on a television.

Our Republican colleagues cannot be objecting to our resolution on the false grounds that it doesn't reject violence. It does. Let me read you the words again. In the resolution, “violence and looting are unlawful, unacceptable, and contrary to the purpose of peaceful protest.” So it is right there in the resolution.

And so what other reason would any Republican Senator object to the things in this resolution? If a Senator objects, then which of those three things do they disagree with?

Do they believe Americans do not have the constitutional right to exercise the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, the right to petition their government? Do they believe Americans do not have the right to peacefully protest? Do they disagree with the statement that violence and looting are unlawful and unacceptable? 

Or, do they support the president’s use of tear gas against people, including families, who are peacefully protesting in a public park? Which is it?

Any objector should explain why the simple resolution I offer today is so unacceptable to them.

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