U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03) was arrested on Thursday by U.S. Capitol Police while protesting in the Hart Senate Office Building — a section of the U.S. Capitol complex.
The group was advocating for the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 1 — legislation that would dramatically overhaul the election system within the country and give the federal government more power over elections.
Beatty, who serves as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and others were arrested for protesting in a prohibited area on Capitol grounds — according to the Capitol Police. Further, after officers arrived to the area where the demonstration was happening, police warned the protestors three times before action was taken.
Later in the day, Beaty released an unapologetic statement describing her actions.
“I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote. We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us. Be assured that this is just the beginning. This Our Power, Our Message,” she said in a tweet.
Statement on peaceful Senate demonstration. #GoodTrouble #YourVoteMatters pic.twitter.com/ID1nlwmA41
— Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) July 15, 2021
Beaty reiterated her tone in a later tweet, saying “You can arrest me. You can’t stop me. You can’t silence me.”
You can arrest me. You can’t stop me. You can’t silence me.
— Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) July 15, 2021
Beatty’s actions are not the only dramatic measures that Democrats have taken to advance their cause to pass H.R. 1. Earlier this week, Texas Democratic state lawmakers fled the state to avoid enough numbers for a quorum and prevent a special session initiated by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The lawmakers claimed Republicans were “restricting” voting rights.
While Democrats point to Republican opposition to H.R. 1, the legislation has stronger, bipartisan resistance. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) also came out against the package earlier this year.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
