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Thursday, January 07, 2021

Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Bergman comment on Capitol siege, electoral college votes

WASHINGTON, DC; DETROIT -- Today, Jan. 7, Michigan Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters released statements on the Electoral College vote count and the siege during which rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol and delayed the proceedings. First District U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R) sent comments in a Jan. 6 email.

Senator Stabenow said, "A day that began with a brazen and dangerous attack on our democracy has ended with a sign of its endurance: Congress returned to work and validated the election of Joe Biden as our next president and Kamala Harris as our next vice president. Michigan’s votes were counted and voices were heard. I am grateful to law enforcement officers who keep us safe every day and ensured that we could fulfill our constitutional duty."

Senator Peters made two statements -- one on the events of Jan. 6 and another calling for President Trump to be removed from office.

Senator Peters released the following statement after Congress certified the Electoral College votes:

"Wednesday’s dangerous and unacceptable attack on our Capitol marked one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. These events went against the very values upon which our country was founded.

"The President’s continued refusal to accept the election results and efforts to stoke violence demonstrates his complete absence of leadership and character. His words and actions incited domestic terrorists who endangered democratically elected leaders, staff and law enforcement.

"It was horrific that as members carried out their constitutional duty they were disrupted and threatened by armed rioters in a desperate attempt to keep President Trump in power.

"We had a secure, free and fair election that was certified by Michigan and every other state. Despite what transpired, Congress reconvened and completed the Electoral College vote count. There is no question that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn into office on January 20th.

"We cannot allow these events to deter us from doing the important work ahead of us. I have faith that we can emerge more united, but only if we come all together."

In his email, Michigan First District Congressman Jack Bergman first commented on his opposition to the Electoral College votes:

"In times of tension and turmoil, leaders stand up and do what is right. I made it very clear this week that I intended to stand for my belief that irregularities, discrepancies, and usurpation of state election laws demanded an investigation into the 2020 election. After all, this is a duty that Congress has been given and a lawful way to challenge concerns with state electors. As prescribed by the 12th Amendment, a joint session of Congress is to meet to 'count electoral votes' and make a final determination on the 2020 Presidential Election. The Electoral Count Act of 1887 gives Congress the opportunity to object to any state where any member believes votes were either 'unlawfully certified' or 'not regularly given.' That is what I did today, and what many before me have done - including in recent elections...."

Rep. Bergman added these comments on the siege of the Capitol:

"The actions of the mob that participated in storming the Capitol, fighting Capitol Police, and harming civilians and property is un-American and a disgrace to our republic. Those who broke the law and participated in this effort should receive maximum punishment. These actions undermine our very foundation -- I didn’t fight for our country for forty years to see us devolve into settling political disputes by violence and intimidation.

"We are a nation of law and order and must remain so if we are to maintain our republic."

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