LCLAA Urges Our Newly Elected Senate to Serve Justice and Hold Accountable Thouse Who Acted Against our Democracy

Press Release
14 January 2021

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, The House of Representatives reached across the isle in order to defend and protect our nation’s democracy. As a result, President Donald J. Trump has become the only president to be impeached twice. This time he is charged with “incitement of insurrection.” Now the ball lies in the Senate, and so does the future of our country. 

The acts of violence perpetrated against Congress last week had the purpose of disrupting the official count of our election results. Silencing the voices of the people cannot be dismissed, even when this administration’s days are coming to a close. 

Not taking immediate action would set a dangerous precedent of impunity for future presidents. By refusing to interrupt the Senate’s recess, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is not only setting back the trial for January 19, but what’s worse, allowing the president to finish his term, business as usual.

LCLAA is hopeful that upon the Senate’s return to The Hill, the newly elected representatives will act immediately to hold accountable all those involved in last week’s shameful events. Our communities are aware of the multiple challenges that lie ahead, from guaranteeing justice is served, to the longer-term task of forging a more inclusive nation for all. 

We urge our leaders to come together, to heal the wounds of hate. To pass laws that can advance our communities, and can keep working families healthy and safe amid COVID-19. To pass laws that can keep these same working families together! To pass laws dictated by the moral, humane and decency values sacredly enshrined in our nation’s constitution. 

“What happened last week, has been developing for years now. From far-right-led rallies in Charlottesville to Portland and at capitol state buildings across the country.” said Yanira Merino, LCLAA National President. “Yes, we must ensure the Senate holds all those involved accountable. But we also need to work together to overcome the crises unleashed by COVID-19. A full recovery must include Latino and immigrant working families who also need to be a part of the promising future we long for this, our country.”

“Last week’s attempt against those who were legitimately following the will of the people, cannot go unpunished nor should it be delayed,” said Jose Vargas, LCLAA Executive Director. “I have full confidence that the newly elected Senate will act and set an important precedent, one that will further protect our country, it’s people and sacred government institutions, from tyranny.”

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The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) is the leading national organization for Latino(a) workers and their families. LCLAA was born in 1972 out of the need to educate, organize and mobilize Latinos in the labor movement and has expanded its influence to organize Latinos in an effort to impact workers’ rights and their influence in the political process. LCLAA represents the interest of more than 2 million Latino workers in the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), The Change to Win Federation, Independent Unions and all its membership. Visit LCLAA on the web at www.lclaa.org, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.