January 25, 2010

(Washington, DC) – The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, said today it’s ‘outrageous’ that Senator-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts has not yet been seated – nearly one week after his election victory. 

“This is an unacceptable delay tactic on the part of the Senate leadership – a tactic that disenfranchises the voters of Massachusetts who elected Scott Brown nearly one week ago,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  “There’s absolutely no reason to wait to seat Senator-elect Brown and with each passing day he is prevented from participating in the legislative process.  This delay tactic – along with reports that top Democrats continue to plot passage of health care reform – show that it’s business as usual in Washington – ignoring the will of Massachusetts voters and moving forward with a disturbing health care plan that America simply does not want.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he won’t swear-in Scott Brown until the certification process is completed – which could take another week.  But the election outcome is clear and there’s even precedent for seating a Senator from Massachusetts before certification is completed.  That’s exactly what happened in the 1960’s when Senator Edward Kennedy took the oath of office within hours after being elected to the very same seat that Senator-elect Brown has won. 

“It’s outrageous that Senator-elect Brown is not yet seated,” said Sekulow.  “What’s troubling is the fact that the Democrats just don’t get it.  There was a resounding repudiation of the Democrat agenda – including health care – with last week’s Senate election.  But that hasn’t stopped the President and the Democrat leaders in the House and Senate from plowing forward and redoubling their efforts to get some version of their problematic health care reform approved.  A clear majority of Americans say they oppose the plan, but as usual, Washington isn’t listening.”

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.