Yesterday’s assault on my Senate colleague

Yesterday, my colleague Alex Padilla sought to question a public official about the Trump administration's actions that are impacting his constituents in California — he was doing the foundational job of oversight that we elect Senators to do.

Trump and Kristi Noem's thugs responded by roughing him up, forcing him to the ground, and handcuffing him.

If this is how those in power respond when challenged in public by a legislator, consider what they're capable of doing to ordinary citizens – or anyone else – when the cameras aren't rolling.

What happened yesterday must be roundly condemned. Kristi Noem must be held accountable. And we in the Senate must not give an inch in ceding our constitutional authority when an out-of-control executive branch starts ignoring the basic rule of law.

More soon,

Ron