Sergeant Gonell, Officer Fanone, and CFA Council Members Send Letter to House Republicans Who Voted to Overturn the 2020 Election
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative,
Today marks 147 days from when you will once again partake in the final step of counting and validating the electoral votes based on the American people’s votes for a presidential election, paving the way for the peaceful transition of power.
Every four years, throughout our country’s history, Congress has fulfilled this time-honored tradition; however, on January 6, 2021, we saw what happens when elected officials such as yourself do not carry through with their constitutional duty. You were one of 147 members of Congress who decided to put their allegiance to the Constitution second to partisan loyalty, refused to certify a free and fair election, voted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, and attempted to silence the votes and voices of the American people.
Your actions that day threatened the sanctity and security of our democracy. That’s why we – the People’s Council, proud Americans from across the country including veterans, educators, faith leaders, and community leaders – are calling on you to fulfill your constitutional responsibility to the American people by committing to a peaceful certification of the upcoming presidential election. Despite the unfathomable events that took place during Congress’ last certification process, you and other extremists have doubled down on what led to the horrific violence that day, continuing to promote the Big Lie and instill doubts on the legitimacy of our democratic institutions and election system. Far-right organizations and individuals have already declared the election illegitimate, before any votes have been cast.
We created the People’s Council to ensure that the People’s House represents and serves all Americans. Nothing is more fundamental than protecting and defending our democracy and the freedom to vote. To that end, the American people are counting on you to peacefully certify this year’s election results, 147 days from now, while condemning political violence, extremism, and the Big Lie. The future of our democracy depends on it.
Sincerely,
Sergeant Aquilino Gonell
Officer Michael Fanone
Carolyn Foote
Rev. Dr. Cathy C. Patterson
Don Foote
Syanne Bloom-Centeno
Danielle Hindieh
Steve Kling
Khiana Brown