Politics Liberal House members rally against expansion of national security powers following Capitol riot

Liberal members of Congress are resisting the expansion of national security powers in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that has raised questions about sharper penalties for the intruders.

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"We already have laws on the books. Sorry, but you are just gonna have to learn to apply them equally," Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar wrote in a Thursday tweet that included a letter from the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights, which warned against the "unnecessary expansion of federal domestic terrorism statues."

We already have laws on the books.

Sorry, but you are just gonna have to learn to apply them equally. https://t.co/jE78gtmFUj

The Daily 202: Few House Republicans defended Trump’s conduct as they opposed his second impeachment

The vibe was different from December 2019 on both sides of the aisle. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said President Trump “bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters” and faulted him for not immediately denouncing the violence “when he saw what was unfolding.

DC officers speak out following Capitol riot . Wednesday's riot has set off a shockwave of concern among federal, state and local officials for more possible bloodshed over At the Pentagon, officials are assessing what number of National Guard forces are needed for President-elect Joe Biden's

Members of the DC National Guard stand outside the Capitol on Wednesday night after the riots . After rioting began in Washington, Turkey's Foreign Ministry also recommended that its citizens in Peaceful transition of power is at the core. Joe Biden won the election." "I look forward to working with

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 21, 2021

The letter insisted the Justice Department "has over 50 terrorism-related statues" it can draw from to prosecute the pro-Trump demonstrators who clashed with law enforcement and eventually breached the Capitol, leading to five deaths. The group added that the creation of any new "domestic terrorism charge" would unfairly target "marginalized communities."

Omar, a member of the ultra-liberal House wing dubbed the "the Squad," was one of 10 lawmakers to sign a Tuesday letter to congressional leaders, demanding they halt any effort to enhance "national security and surveillance powers of the U.S. government."

"While we are not necessarily opposed to reforms to address the law enforcement and intelligence communities’ inability or unwillingness to seriously confront domestic white nationalist violence, we firmly believe that the national security and surveillance powers of the U.S. government are already too broad, undefined, and unaccountable to the people," the letter read. "To further degrade those rights and liberties in reaction to this attack would undermine our democracy at a time when we must join together to defend it with all our collective might. While many may find comfort in increased national security powers in the wake of this attack, we must emphasize that we have been here before and we have seen where that road leads."

Capitol riot: What we know about allegations of inside help from members of Congress

Democrats are now calling on formal investigations, citing an unusual uptick in visitors sporting MAGA gear the day before the attempted coup. But few other details have been released. "Let's be clear, there's no way those groups could have gotten into the Capitol without a Member of Congress or a staff member of a member of Congress," said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat from New Jersey.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Two Capitol Police officers were suspended and at least 10 are under investigation for their conduct during last week’s Capitol riot , according to Rep. Several videos show police being beaten over the head with flag poles, a wrench and clubs while still defending themselves against a frenzied blur of

Follow RT on. It’s hard to believe how the angry mob of Trump supporters managed to do what they I watched the reruns of President Trump’s confused and quite mental rallying call to his followers At the BLM protest there were thousands of armed security ready and willing to crack heads and use

The lawmakers posited that the House Un-American Activities Committee, which they say targeted liberals during World War II, and the Patriot Act, which enhanced surveillance capability following the 9/11 attacks, are examples of poor policy that result in increased terrorism-related power. "Squad" members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib also signed the letter.

At least 25 domestic terrorism investigations have been opened in the aftermath of the Capitol riot. Authorities took particular concern with those in the group who carried zip-tie-like restraints as they investigate whether there was a plan to kidnap members of Congress.

Tags: News, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Capitol, Patriot Act, House Democrats, Donald Trump

Original Author: Jake Dima

Original Location: Liberal House members rally against expansion of national security powers following Capitol riot