Tri-Caucus Staff Associations Statement on Riots At Capitol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2021
Kameelah Pointer (SBLSC): 312-523-4561, [email protected]
Celia Olivas (CHSA); 209-981-9141, [email protected]
Maya Valentine (CBA); 202-907-6434, [email protected]
Cody Sibulo (CAPASA): 819-397-8249, [email protected]
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus (SBLSC), the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA), the Congressional Black Associates (CBA) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA) released the following statement on the vandalism at the Capitol yesterday:
"Yesterday was a tragic day in our Nation’s history. The insurrection and destruction we witnessed at the U.S. Capitol was horrific, heartbreaking, and traumatizing. It threatened to dismantle the fabric of our already fragile democracy and endangered the well-being of congressional staff, our Nation's leaders, Capitol workers, and those who serve to protect us. This is not about party politics, but rather about safeguarding American democracy.
"As Congressional staffers of color, we are disturbed by the security breach at the U.S. Capitol. To many of us, it is more than just a workplace; we devote countless hours every day to serving our Nation and shaping legislation on these grounds. We are also concerned about the response by law enforcement and cannot help but compare and contrast yesterday’s response with other recent protests for social and racial justice in Washington, D.C. We hear you; we are with you. Although we are exhausted, we will continue to fight against inequality, racial injustice, and hatred; and together, we will get through this.
"Last night, Congress certified the people’s vote for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and President Trump committed to an orderly transition of power on January 20. This should provide peace to many Americans around the Nation. We are hopeful that better days are ahead. We will recover from this deeply unsettling incident in our workplace together, as we have done time and time before.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out. We will continue to support each other. And we encourage everyone to contact their employee assistance program for mental health services if they need it. Information on these congressional resources can be found below."
Contact the House Office of Employee Assistance at 202-225-2400 or [email protected].
Contact the Senate Office of Employee Assistance at 202-224-3902 or [email protected].
Kameelah Pointer (SBLSC): 312-523-4561, [email protected]
Celia Olivas (CHSA); 209-981-9141, [email protected]
Maya Valentine (CBA); 202-907-6434, [email protected]
Cody Sibulo (CAPASA): 819-397-8249, [email protected]
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus (SBLSC), the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA), the Congressional Black Associates (CBA) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA) released the following statement on the vandalism at the Capitol yesterday:
"Yesterday was a tragic day in our Nation’s history. The insurrection and destruction we witnessed at the U.S. Capitol was horrific, heartbreaking, and traumatizing. It threatened to dismantle the fabric of our already fragile democracy and endangered the well-being of congressional staff, our Nation's leaders, Capitol workers, and those who serve to protect us. This is not about party politics, but rather about safeguarding American democracy.
"As Congressional staffers of color, we are disturbed by the security breach at the U.S. Capitol. To many of us, it is more than just a workplace; we devote countless hours every day to serving our Nation and shaping legislation on these grounds. We are also concerned about the response by law enforcement and cannot help but compare and contrast yesterday’s response with other recent protests for social and racial justice in Washington, D.C. We hear you; we are with you. Although we are exhausted, we will continue to fight against inequality, racial injustice, and hatred; and together, we will get through this.
"Last night, Congress certified the people’s vote for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and President Trump committed to an orderly transition of power on January 20. This should provide peace to many Americans around the Nation. We are hopeful that better days are ahead. We will recover from this deeply unsettling incident in our workplace together, as we have done time and time before.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out. We will continue to support each other. And we encourage everyone to contact their employee assistance program for mental health services if they need it. Information on these congressional resources can be found below."
Contact the House Office of Employee Assistance at 202-225-2400 or [email protected].
Contact the Senate Office of Employee Assistance at 202-224-3902 or [email protected].
###