Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after House Republicans rejected her amendments to H.Con.Res. 58, a resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism. Rep. Pettersen supports the resolution denouncing socialism, and offered three simple, factual amendments highlighting the authoritarian tactics used by despotic leaders throughout history and tactics that Americans are now witnessing from the Trump administration. 

“Republicans claim they care about rejecting the horrific actions of abusive regimes but refuse to call out the authoritarianism we’re seeing unfold right before our eyes,” said Pettersen. “Trump is unhinged — he’s weaponized our judicial system to target anyone who disagrees with him, worked to silence the press dedicated to exposing his corruption, and has terrorized immigrant communities – including citizens, legal residents, and even children – and deployed the military against our country’s own citizens. I know that this isn’t who we are as a country. If Republicans were serious about calling out despotic regimes, then where is their courage to speak out when it’s happening right here? That’s why I introduced three amendments to highlight the dangers that threaten our very foundation, but unfortunately, Republicans rejected every single one of them.”

Specifically, Pettersen’s amendments would have included language highlighting:

• The dangers of despotic leaders who abuse the judicial system to target and punish their political opponents.
• How authoritarian regimes use military forces and masked government agents to arrest, intimidate, and silence civilians, including children.
• The ways these leaders control the press, universities, and access to information to consolidate power and suppress opposing views.

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To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.