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Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement Following Vote to Censure Rep. Paul Gosar

November 18, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement following his vote to censure Representative Paul Gosar (AZ-04):

“I unabashedly voted in favor to pass a resolution censuring Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona following his actions to post an edited video on social media depicting himself killing Representative Ocasio-Cortez and attacking President Biden,” said Rep. Espaillat. “The deep-rooted nature of misogyny continues to trigger online abuse of women and female politicians and should never have a place in the halls of Congress – and be confronted whenever such actions take place within our society. As many of my colleagues have pointed out, for far too long, women of color in Congress have been the target of GOP Members dehumanizing, sexualization, condescending, violent and outright disrespectful verbal and online attacks. As public servants, what we say matters and the misogynic rhetoric and illustrations upheld by the patriarchy must be condemned.

“Women are the catalyst of change. Globally and historically, they have taken the lead in shaping our nation and have done so with strength, dignity, intellect, and grace. Any individual who attacks our women leaders accordingly undermine American democracy and are unsuited for Congress. This week, House Democrats sent a loud and clear message to Americans that depictions of violence to any member of Congress will not be tolerated.”

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