South Jersey Progressive Democrats Slam Donald Norcross (NJ1) Voting to Give Trump Fascist Powers to Defund Non-Profits and Colleges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Tuesday, November 12, the U.S. House of Representatives blocked a dangerous piece of legislation that would have granted the Secretary of the Treasury the unilateral power to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization that they wanted to accuse of wrongdoing. This bill, HR 9495, would have allowed Trump to censor any organization without even giving a reason for revoking their tax exempt status. A coalition of over 130 civil liberties, religious, reproductive health, immigrant rights, human rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+, environmental, and educational organizations opposed this bill. Yet Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ1) voted with Republicans in support of this bill that would have emboldened Trump and given him ammunition to silence critical civil rights organizations and watchdog groups.
Editor’s Note: 3 NJ Democrat congress members voted for this fascist measure, Gottheimer, Pallone and Norcross – see our prior reporting:
As we approach four more years of a Trump presidency, it is essential that Democrats support organizations who work on behalf of human rights and the preservation of our democracy. The Democrats who voted in favor of HR9495 have massively betrayed their constituents by voting to give Trump more power and to put nonprofits and civil liberties groups in harm’s way. These DINOS have not only betrayed their constituents, they have also demonstrated a lack of respect for the right to free speech.
“Donald Norcross’s vote in favor of legislation that would let Trump swiftly attack and silence any group whose work he does not approve of is, on one hand, shocking. This bill would have put the work of so many essential organizations at risk and would have had a chilling effect on freedom of speech in our nation. On the other hand, here we again see Donald Norcross for what he is, the little brother of George Norcross, a party boss known for his brutality towards anyone who opposes him. Donald Trump’s friendship with George Norcross is well known. With this vote, Donald Norcross certainly acted like a friend to Trump, too,” said Kate Delany of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.
“We’re used to our politicians in Camden County talking out of both sides of their mouth. They will say they support progressive ideas like closing incinerators but then when it comes time to actually vote on things that can help people – or in this case harm people – they continually let us down. This is the reason our congressman ran 10k votes behind Andy Kim and Kamala Harris here. Even Camden County Commissioner Director Cappelli suggests that Norcross, a purported leader in the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is ‘done and not politically relevant’ after not fighting Trump’s agenda, and for once I have to agree with him” said David Stahl of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.
South Jersey Progressive Democrats stand for a just, transparent, and accountable government that works for all people. For more information about getting involved in the organizing work of South Jersey Progressive Democrats, email info@southjerseyprogressivedemocrats.org and follow SJPD on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
They are already bringing it back to the floor for Monday, November 18 and this time a simple majority will pass the measure which they had last time so it very likely will pass the house.
