Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today, across the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte's brutal regime is using the pretext of a so-called anti- terrorism law to ramp up efforts targeting labor organizers, workers, and political opponents. This law allows suspects to be detained by the police or military without charges for as long as 24 days and placed under surveillance for up to 90 days. In response to these abuses, I introduced the Philippine Human Rights Act, which would block U.S. funding for police or military assistance to the Philippines--outlining a series of basic criteria which would have to be met in order to resume such funding. I am proud to stand alongside so many faith and civil society organizations in advocating for this legislation. And I am especially proud to stand with leaders of the U.S. labor movement: the AFL-CIO, the SEIU, the Teamsters, the Communication Workers of America. They understand that in fighting for their brothers and sisters in the labor movement abroad, they are also helping safeguard their own rights and dignity here at home. Let us make clear that the United States will not participate in the repression. Let us stand with the people of the Philippines. ____________________”