October 13, 2023

Chairman Aguilar: House Republicans can bend a knee to extremism or they can join House Democrats on a bipartisan path forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Democrats for a press conference calling on House Republicans to work with House Democrats to end their Republican-manufactured crisis.

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you so much to the Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, to our Democratic Whip, Katherine Clark, for their amazing leadership through these times. 

It's been ten days without a Speaker of the House, and instead of pursuing a bipartisan path forward, House Republicans have chosen chaos over governing. We've offered them a solution to make the House work. We've pleaded with them to abandon extremism once and for all.

But House Republicans are intent on doubling down and have chosen to nominate a vocal election denier in Jim Jordan. A man whose rhetoric and partisanship fomented the January 6th attack on this very building, on these very steps. A man who, to this day, has not answered for his role in that attack and refuses to comply with a lawful and legal subpoena by this body. Someone who ignored the powers of this body has no right to lead this chamber. 

Let me be clear: Jim Jordan is a threat to our democracy. He has been a consistent threat to our national security as well. He's built a career opposing funding to help our friends and allies abroad, something so desperately needed in the House of Representatives right now – to help Israel and Ukraine. 

He has one objective: hurt President Biden politically and help elect Donald Trump. No matter the cost to our country. No matter the cost to our democratic norms. Jim Jordan is a Donald Trump-endorsed MAGA darling. 

Republicans have a choice to make. They can bend a knee to the extremism that has plagued the House for the last ten months, or they can join us. They can join us in a bipartisan path forward. 

Let’s work together. Let’s pass bills that improve the lives of everyday Americans. No default. No shutdown. And no more chaos.

Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.