September, 17 2018, 12:00am EDT
Senators Who Claim to be Allies to Women Cannot Vote to Confirm Brett Kavanaugh in Light of New Sexual Assault Allegations
WASHINGTON
n light of breaking reports that Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford, NARAL Pro-Choice America has compiled a new report detailing how Senators Dean Heller, Joe Manchin, Joe Donnelly, Cory Gardner, Ted Cruz, Heidi Heitkamp, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have publicly condemned sexual assault and, in some cases, supported legislation to protects women and victims of sexual violence. Now, Americans are depending on them to stay true to those statements and demand Kavanaugh's nomination be withdrawn.
Allegations that Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford add to the mounting reasons that Brett Kavanaugh is no ally to women, despite Senate Republicans' desperate attempts to paint him as such in order to downplay the very real threat he poses to Roe v. Wade. Many senators have rightfully taken stands in the past on behalf of women everywhere in light of the #MeToo movement and a wave of brave survivors coming forward to hold accountable those responsible.
Senators who claim to be allies to women can stop Kavanaugh from ascending a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Senators owe it to women in America to examine all the evidence before them, and if they do so in earnest, there is only one conclusion to be drawn: Brett Kavanaugh is unfit to serve and his nomination must be withdrawn.
These Senators have claimed to support survivors of sexual assault and violence. Now is the time they must be true to their word.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)
In the past, Collins has stated:
- That she did not vote for Trump because of the sexual assault allegations against him: "those allegations remain very disturbing."
- "Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence should have access to every resource available to ensure their safety" in a joint op-ed with Senator Angus King .
- "I want to thank the very brave young athletes who have spoken out about their personal experiences of sexual abuse and shone a spotlight on this horrendous crime," during a press conference with gymnasts who had been sexually abused by coaches or trainers.
- Sexual assault incidents are "heinous."
Additionally, Collins has:
- Displayed a willingness to go further than many of her colleagues in condemning Trump's sexual assault allegations
- Championed legislative effort to decrease instances of sexual assault on college campuses and to provide justice for survivors and perpetrators.
- Showed disappointment with the RNC support of Roy Moore, even going as far as to call it a "mistake."
- Dedicated funding in her home state of Maine to combat sexual assault and domestic violence, including:
- $240,000 in funding for Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) and the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV)
- $300,000 in funding for sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy in immigrant community
- $1.18 million in funding for rural domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking assistance programs
- $1.7 million in funding to support legal services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims
- $147,891 in funding for Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
In the past, Murkowski has stated:
- "Sexual assault survivors deserve better care" in an op-ed. The piece began: "The loss and despair that accompanies a survivor's trauma makes my stomach churn." Murkowski outlined the trauma sexual assault survivors face and the difficulty they have sharing their experiences and receiving treatment. She concluded that the legislation she promoted in the piece was "one of many steps I will take to support the brave individuals who have not had the necessary resources to seek the justice they need."
- "I have been fortunate that, throughout my professional career, I have been able to navigate without some of the overt harassment that we're seeing exposed... But I know far too many women who have been in that situation -- that, for me, it is like lifting a weight, to know that what was once just accepted as -- 'This is what's going to happen if you're going to go into that field; you just better accept it, so put on your big-girl panties and just stand up straight and push back.' No. You don't have to accept it. And it's important for the women, and it's important for the men. And as the mother of two sons, it's really important for me to know they're entering their adulthood in an environment where there's a respect for one another based on who you are and what you contribute. That is important to me as a mom, personally, but also as a friend to many who have been held back." These comments were said in a discussion on the #MeToo movement.
- On sexual harassment in the workplace: "We have a choice to make; either sit on the sidelines and hope for change, or roll up our sleeves to make the change. We must work to identify where harassment is its most pervasive; where it has been allowed to foster in a culture of silence, disrespect, intimidation, and abuse. And we must empower victims to speak out about the harassment they face."
Additionally, Murkowski has:
- Proposed the government play a role in the #MeToo movement through the "EMPOWER Act," which would prevent companies from using non-disclosure agreements to keep employees from speaking up about sexual harassment.
- Called out the "culture of harassment & assault being exposed on a daily basis." She went even further saying "Whether you are in the media, politics, or anywhere else abuse of power is unacceptable & shouldn't be tolerated at any place at any level."
- Joined women senators to push for reform of sexual harassment and discrimination rules
- Introducing a bipartisan bill to increase access to forensic exams and care for sexual assault domestic violence survivors.
- Condemned University of Alaska Fairbanks' negligence in sexual assault cases by saying, "Students should be assured of fairness, justice, and security on their campus"
- Questioned military officials over how sexual assaults involving minors are resolved and called for reform of military sexual assault policies.
- Called on both Roy Moore and Al Franken to "step down immediately" following accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct.
Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota)
In the past, Heitkamp has stated:
- Regarding the #MeToo movement: "I hope more women now feel empowered to speak up and to defend their right to live free of harassment and assault." She said, "This is about more than changing laws or punishing certain behavior - both of these are important -- but it requires a comprehensive cultural change to instill the values that say as a society this is not okay and this not acceptable. I hope more women now feel empowered to speak up and to defend their right to live free of harassment and assault." [Bismarck Tribune, 10/23/17]
- On Twitter: "Thanks to the brave women who've spoken up during the past few weeks. I'll always fight for survivors of sexual & domestic violence. #MeToo"
- When calling for Senator Franken to resign, "We must commit to zero tolerance -- which is where I believe we as a country and Congress should be."
Additionally, Heitkamp has:
- Introduced a bipartisan bill to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace
- Raised awareness of the increased likeliness of sexual assault facing American Indians.
- Used the Senate floor to call on the military to prevent sexual assault.
- Dedicated federal funding to support victims of sexual assault including:
- $1.2 million to provide vital support services and enhance criminal justice efforts on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence.
- $401,000 to fight domestic and sexual violence at an abused adult resource center
- $600,000 to combat domestic violence in Devils Lake & on Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA) Nation
- $3 million to combat violence against women in the Bakken Region
- $600,000 to continue helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana)
In the past, Donnelly has stated:
- "The FBI estimates that a rape occurs in Indiana every five hours. That is a tragedy, and we owe the survivors of rape, sexual assault, and stalking our full support and protection" while discussing the Violence Against Women Act.
- On the personal damage caused by sexual assault: "it is the risk of personal violation of somebody, it is the risk of destroying that person's internal soul, their emotional state, their physical state."
- "Regardless of political party, sexual harassment and sexual abuse are unacceptable" while condemning Senator Al Franken.
Additionally, Donnelly has:
- Championed numerous bills protecting amateur athletes, children and members of the military from sexual abuse and assault and supported the Violence Against Women Act.
Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada)
In the past, Heller has stated:
- In September 2018: "As a husband and father of two daughters, I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Ending these heinous crimes is a top priority of mine, which is why I have been a continuous supporter of the Violence Against Women Act."
- In 2014: "As a father of two daughters, ending domestic violence has always been a top priority of mine. I've supported legislation against domestic abuse, held roundtables combating sexual assault on college campuses, and served as a staunch supporter in protecting women from violent acts by their loved ones. Addressing these issues transcends politics and is the main reason I've worked in a bipartisan manner to combat them."
- In a video in the Senate: "There is no place in any society for these horrifying acts of domestic violence and sexual assault."
Additionally, Heller has:
- Worked repeatedly to pass policies and increase funding to combat Nevada's rape kit backlog
Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia)
In the past, Manchin has stated:
- While announcing over $2 million in funding to combat sexual assault in West Virginia: "Any act of violence is one too many, and fighting on behalf of the victims who are suffering is of the highest priority to the people of West Virginia. Violence Against Women programs make a tremendous difference in our state and across our nation. They save lives and strengthen communities. They offer protection and create channels of hope. As a staunch supporter of the Violence Against Women Act, I am pleased that these grants will continue to fund innovative, successful programs that provide protection to victims of violence, especially those in remote and geographically isolated areas who face barriers to accessing services." [Senator Joe Manchin press release, 9/11/15]
- In a speech on the Senate floor: "Ensuring that women and children have adequate protection against violence just makes common sense. And to the people of West Virginia, I know this is a high priority."
- In August 2018: "Sexual assault is a horrific and devastating crime and survivors deserve every resource to begin recovering from the physical and emotional trauma. The development of a statewide Sexual Assault Response Team is an important step in ensuring every West Virginian has access to these resources. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for these resources."
Additionally, Manchin has:
- Championed funding to combating sexual assault and rape in West Virginia, introduced legislation to protect students from sexual violence, and supported the Violence Against Women Act.
Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colorado)
In the past, Gardner has stated:
- "Over the past few months, our country has experienced a much-needed transformation when it comes to listening to courageous women share their stories about harassment. No one should be forced to work in an environment where they are made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Let me be extremely clear: sexual harassment and workplace misconduct has no place in America, and certainly has no place in the United States Congress."
- During his 2014 campaign for U.S. Senate: "I will continue to pursue opportunities to protect women in the country."
- As NRSC chair: "If these allegations are found to be true, Roy Moore must drop out of the Alabama special Senate election."
Additionally, Gardner has:
- Supported legislation to combat sexual harassment in Congress and ran on his support for the Violence Against Women Act and ending sexual assault on campus
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
In the past, Cruz has stated:
- In 2013: "The Supreme Court defined rape, short of murder, as the ultimate violation of self."
- "In the recent months, we've seen scores of victims come forth with horrific stories of sexual abuse & harassment. Sadly, we also discovered a pattern of secret taxpayer-funded settlements for members of Congress accused of harassment or assault. That is unacceptable."
- On Twitter: "Perpetrators must be held accountable, and no one is above the law. For months, @SenGillibrand (D-N.Y.) and I have been fighting for reform. This bipartisan deal empowers victims to report sexual harassment and helps bring their perpetrators to justice." [Twitter, 5/24/18]
Additionally, Cruz has:
NARAL Pro-Choice America fights for reproductive freedom for every body. Each day, we organize and mobilize to protect that freedom by fighting for access to abortion care, birth control, aid parental leave, and protections from pregnancy discrimination.
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Grand Jury Indicts Top Trump Aides, 11 Arizona Republicans Over 'Fake Electors' Scheme
Had it succeeded, said the state's attorney general, the scheme would have "deprived Arizona's voters of their right to have their votes counted for their chosen president."
Apr 25, 2024
A grand jury in Arizona on Wednesday charged seven aides to Donald Trump and nearly a dozen Republican officials over a "fake electors" scheme in the state that aimed to keep the former president in power after his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden.
Trump, who is currently facing nearly 90 charges across four criminal cases as he runs for another White House term, was described as "unindicted co-conspirator 1" in the 58-page indictment, which was announced by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
"The people of Arizona elected President Biden," Mayes, a Democrat, said Wednesday. "Unwilling to accept this fact, the defendants charged by the state grand jury allegedly schemed to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency. Whatever their reasoning was, the plot to violate the law must be answered for."
The indictment names former Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward, sitting state Republican Sens. Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern, former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Lamon, and seven others as the "fake electors" who sought to declare Trump the rightful winner of the state's presidential contest.
The names of other individuals indicted by the state grand jury are redacted, but the document's descriptions make clear that former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, and top Trump legal strategist Boris Epshteyn are among those facing felony charges—including fraud, forgery, and conspiracy.
"In Arizona, defendants, unindicted coconspirators, and others pressured the three groups of election officials responsible for certifying election results to encourage them to change the election results," the document reads. "Discussions about using the Republican electors to change the outcome of the election began as early as November 4, 2020. Those plans evolved during
November based on memos drafted by [an attorney for the Trump campaign, Kenneth Chesebro]."
Mayes said Wednesday that had the fake elector scheme succeeded, it would have "deprived Arizona's voters of their right to have their votes counted for their chosen president."
"It effectively would have made their right to vote meaningless," said Mayes.
A state grand jury, made up of everyday, regular Arizonans, has handed down felony indictments in the ongoing investigation into the fake elector scheme in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/Nu8GcD4ZqJ
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) April 24, 2024
Alex Gulotta, state director of All Voting Is Local Action Arizona, said Wednesday that "the indictment of the eleven fake electors is one of the first steps required in holding these election deniers accountable for their alleged attempts to take power away from voters by disrupting our free and fair elections."
"Arizonans deserve to trust the election officials responsible for administering our elections and preserving our democracy," said Gulotta, "and this is a positive step forward as we continue to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and restore faith in our elections."
The Arizona Republicreported Wednesday that "several of the Arizona electors have previously claimed they were merely offering Congress a backup plan, though nothing in the documents they sent to Congress and the National Archives backs up that assertion."
"The indictment includes several statements the false electors made on social media that contradict those claims," the newspaper observed.
Jenny Guzman, director of Common Cause's Arizona program, said the indictment "marks the start of a new chapter for the fake elector scheme that has plagued Arizona."
"Arizonans are still dealing with the fallout from the false electors and the Big Lie about the 2020 elections," said Guzman. "We are relieved that the investigation by Attorney General Mayes has concluded and Arizonans can now know that what comes next is accountability. These efforts by these fake electors to undermine the will of Arizona’s voters have had implications far beyond their failed attempt to overthrow the 2020 election."
"This indictment can reassure all Arizonans that if anyone, regardless of their political affiliation, attempts to undermine their vote, consequences will follow," Guzman added.
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Watchdog Urges FEC to Investigate Trump Campaign Over Scheme for Legal Fees
"By not disclosing the vendors that actually provided legal services, the Trump-affiliated committees effectively blocked the public from knowing which attorneys and firms are being paid—and how much."
Apr 24, 2024
A campaign finance watchdog on Wednesday filed a Federal Election Commission complaint accusing former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, affiliated political groups, and an accounting firm of violating U.S. law in a scheme "seemingly designed to obscure the true recipients of a noteworthy portion of Trump's legal bills."
The Washington, D.C.-based Campaign Legal Center (CLC) said that "evidence appears to show an illegal arrangement between several Trump-affiliated committees and a compliance firm named Red Curve Solutions that is designed to obscure the identities of those providing legal services and how much they are being paid."
"Voters have a right to know how the presidential campaigns and other committees supporting presidential candidates spend their money."
CLC alleges that the Trump campaign, Trump's political action committee (PAC) Save America, and three affiliated organizations "violated federal reporting requirements based on a scheme in which the committees reportedly paid over $7.2 million—described as 'reimbursement for legal' costs or expenses"—to Red Curve.
The watchdog also said that Red Curve appears to be "making or facilitating illegal contributions that violate either federal contribution limits or the prohibition on corporate contributions."
According to CLC:
Red Curve is a domestic limited liability company that offers compliance and FEC reporting services but does not appear to offer any legal services. It is managed by Bradley Crate, who also serves as the treasurer for each of the five Trump-affiliated committees concerned in this complaint, as well as over 200 other federal committees.
According to filings with the FEC, Red Curve appears to have been fronting legal costs for Trump since at least December 2022, with Trump-affiliated committees repaying the company later. This arrangement appears to violate FEC rules that require campaigns to disclose not only the entity being reimbursed (here, Red Curve) but also the underlying vendor. By not disclosing the vendors that actually provided legal services, the Trump-affiliated committees effectively blocked the public from knowing which attorneys and firms are being paid—and how much they are being paid—through this arrangement.
"Voters have a right to know how the presidential campaigns and other committees supporting presidential candidates spend their money," CLC senior director of campaign finance Erin Chlopak said in a statement. "When campaigns and committees obscure that information from the public, not only do they make it difficult to determine if the law has been violated, but they deny voters the ability to make an informed choice when casting a ballot."
"The steps taken by the Trump campaign, its affiliated committees, and Red Curve Solutions concealed information about how campaign funds were used to pay former President Trump's legal expenditures, including the amounts and ultimate recipients of these expenditures—and the FEC must investigate immediately," Chlopak added.
Trump—who is the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee—faces 91 federal and state felony charges related to his role in the January 6 insurrection and his organization's business practices. He is currently on trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records related to hush money payments to cover up sex scandals during the 2016 election cycle. The twice-impeached former president has been open about his use of campaign donations to pay his legal costs.
The new CLC filing comes a day after the watchdog filed separate FEC complaints urging investigations into a pair of Trump-affiliated "scam PACs," which "pretend to fundraise for major candidates or issues while secretly diverting almost all of their donors' money back into fundraising or the fraudsters' own pockets."
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'One Step Closer': Arizona House Votes to Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban
"With a total ban still set to take effect June 8, the Arizona Abortion Access Act is needed now more than ever," one state campaigner said of a November ballot measure.
Apr 24, 2024
Three Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday joined with Democrats to advance legislation that would repeal an 1864 ban on abortion—a development rights advocates welcomed while stressing that the fight is far from over.
The 32-28 vote on House Bill 2677—with GOP Reps. Tim Dunn (25), Matt Gress (4), and Justin Wilmeth (2) voting in favor—was the third attempt in as many weeks to pass repeal legislation since the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the ban.
"The state Senate could vote on the repeal as early as next Wednesday, after the bill comes on the floor for a 'third reading,' as is required under chamber rules," according toNBC News. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday toldThe Washington Post that "I am hopeful the Senate does the right thing and sends it to my desk so I can sign it."
Applauding the House passage of H.B. 2677, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona president and CEO Angela Florez said that "today, Arizona is one step closer to repealing the state's Civil War-era total abortion ban. While the repeal still must pass the Senate, this is a major win for reproductive freedom."
"We must celebrate today's vote in support of abortion rights and harness our enthusiasm to spread the word and urge lawmakers in the Senate to support this necessary repeal bill," she continued. "Despite this step forward, Arizonans cannot stop fighting."
Florez noted that "even with the repeal of the Civil War-era ban, the state will still have a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy that denies people access to critical care. And lawmakers continue to attack Arizonans' ability to access reproductive healthcare. Our right to control our bodies and lives is hanging on by a thread."
"Thankfully, voters will have the opportunity to take back control if the Arizona Abortion Access Act is on the ballot this November," she added. "Abortion bans are out-of-step with the will of Arizonans and will force pregnant people to leave their communities for essential healthcare. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona will continue fighting to ensure everyone has the right to make decisions about their health and futures."
The Arizona Abortion Access Act is a proposed state constitutional amendment that would prevent many limits on abortions before fetal viability and safeguard access to care after viability to protect the life or physical or mental health of the patient.
The coalition supporting the amendment, Arizona for Abortion Access, highlighted on social media that the House-approved bill "did not include the emergency clause required to stop the 1864 ban from taking effect on June 8," meaning H.B. 2677 wouldn't apply until 90 days after the end of the legislative session.
Coalition campaign manager Cheryl Bruce said that "with a total ban still set to take effect June 8, the Arizona Abortion Access Act is needed now more than ever. We remain committed to taking these decisions out of the hands of extremist politicians."
Arizona is one of multiple states where rights advocates are promoting abortion rights ballot measures this cycle. Reproductive freedom is also dominating political races at all levels, including the presidential contest. Democratic President Joe Biden is set to face former Republican President Donald Trump in November.
"Donald Trump is responsible for Arizona's abortion ban. Women in the state are still living under a ban with no exceptions for rape or incest and have been stripped of the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions," said Julie Chávez Rodriguez, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' reelection campaign manager.
While the presumptive GOP nominee has tried to distance himself from the Arizona Supreme Court's reinstatement of a 160-year-old abortion ban, he has also campaigned on his three appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court who helped reverse Roe v. Wade.
"Trump brags that he is 'proudly' the person responsible for these bans and if he retakes power, the chaos and cruelty he has created will only get worse in all 50 states," Chávez Rodriguez said. "President Biden and Vice President Harris are the only candidates who will stop him."
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