[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              ALEX PADILLA

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I was on my way to the floor to talk about 
clean energy policy this afternoon, but I have to join my colleagues in 
addressing the shocking video out of Los Angeles. I have now looked at 
it. If you are following at home, our colleague Senator Padilla was 
carrying out his constitutional responsibilities to conduct oversight 
and defend the people he represents. At that time, he was physically 
accosted and shoved out of a press conference, pushed to the ground, 
and handcuffed at a press conference being held by Kristi Noem.
  It is a horrifying video, truly horrifying. And I am of the view--why 
I especially wanted to come to the floor--it is not about it happening 
to a U.S. Senator. Here is what it is about: If they will do this to a 
sitting U.S. Senator in front of a room full of media, imagine what is 
being done to powerless people in secret.
  In Portland, in my hometown, we have had firsthand experience with 
this kind of activity--faceless, unidentifiable agents with guns 
staring down peaceful protesters. In Portland, it was a ``wall of 
moms.'' My neighbors--we all said then it is un-American, and I say it 
again this afternoon: What we have seen on our screens is un-American. 
It doesn't have the support of the American people, this kind of anti-
democratic conduct.
  I will close simply by saying this: This has to change. Peaceful 
Americans cannot have this kind of abuse rained down on them for the 
next 3\1/2\ years. It has to end now.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.

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