CHC Chair Condemns Conduct of Congressman Gosar

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) went to the House floor to offer a privileged resolution condemning the cruel, racist, and hateful behavior of Representative Paul Gosar (AZ-04) the day of the State of the Union.

On that day, Rep. Gosar requested that U.S. Capitol Police arrest and deport DACA recipients attending the State of the Union as guests of Members of Congress. The CHC Chair had previously released this statement on Rep. Gosar's reprehensible actions. The resolution claimed that Gosar violated the code of official conduct by not "behav[ing] at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House." Chairwoman Lujan Grisham was able to read and formally introduce the resolution on the floor. The resolution will have to be acted upon within two legislative days.

"Whereas, on January 30, 2018, Representative Paul Gosar tweeted a series of statements that included ‘Today, Congressman Paul Gosar contacted the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asking they consider checking identification of all attending the State of the Union address and arresting any illegal aliens in attendance.'

"Whereas, Representative Gosar went on to tweet ‘Any illegal aliens attempting to go through security, under any pretext of invitation or otherwise, should be arrested and deported,' said Congressman Gosar.'

"Whereas, Representative Gosar's comments explicitly targeted the DACA recipients that Members of Congress brought as their guests to the State of the Union.

"Whereas, DACA recipients have been granted deferred action, are contributing to this country, and have been thoroughly vetted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

"Whereas, Representative Gosar's actions to inappropriately pressure the U.S. Capitol Police to detain and deport Dreamers, who are staying in the country according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations, intimidated these young people who are already facing fear and uncertainty.

"Whereas, Representative Gosar abused his power in an attempt to interfere with and politicize the U.S. Capitol Police's efforts to provide for a safe, secure, and open environment during the State of the Union.

"Whereas, Representative Gosar has violated Clause 1 of Rule XXIII of the Code of Official Conduct which states that `A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer or employee of the House shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House': Now, therefore, be it

"Resolved, That the House of Representatives strongly condemns Representative Paul Gosar for his inappropriate actions that intimidated State of the Union guests and discredited the U.S. House of Representatives."

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