Keith Ellison Sends Prayers to Those Affected By Newtown School Tragedy

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement Friday after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT:

"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic shooting today in a Connecticut elementary school that took the lives of 27, including 18 children. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and victims. As a father, I cannot imagine the pain and grief that comes from losing a child in such a senseless tragedy. While we do not yet know the full details of what happened today, I know our nation will come together to support the community of Newtown."

Find information on how to help those affected by the tragedy.

Ellison Asks Judge to End Senate Filibuster

Ellison is among four Democratic House members asking a federal judge to end the Senate filibuster.

Last week, a federal judge heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging the use of the measure in the U.S. Senate. The suit was filed by the nonpartisan government accountability group Common Cause.

According to an interview with MPR, Ellison said the filibuster has harmed democracy and prevented the passage of legislation such as the Dream Act.

"The fact is that the filibuster gives one senator more power than the founders and the Constitution ever intended," Ellison said during the interview. "And it's abused repeatedly."

Filibusters are not allowed in the House of Representatives, as the House rules limit the time allowed for debate on bills.

Read the full MPR interview here.

Ellison Reacts to Susan Rice's Withdrawal from Secretary of State Consideration

The congressman joined Bill Press on Friday to discuss Susan Rice's announcement that she would not be seeking the nomination to be Secretary of State.

"A good public servant got into the buzzsaw," Ellison said.

Click "play" on the video box above to see Ellison's full statement.