Politics & Government

Violence Erupts in the Middle East: Ellison Urges Restraint

Violence has recently erupted in Israel and the Palestinian territory.

Violence has erupted in the Middle East, as Gaza militants and Israelis have engaged in a series of retaliatory attacks in the past 24 hours.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) had this to say in response:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were killed in Southern Israel last night and today. Senseless acts of terrorism like this, the worst against Israel in more than two years, needlessly harm innocent civilians and devastate families. Further, these acts damage the efforts underway to pursue peace.

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“I urge restraint on all sides so that violence doesn’t spread, thereby dimming the prospects for Middle East peace.

“My heart goes out to all those ravaged by this tragedy.”

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Ellison Defends Social Security

With the 76th anniversary of the passage of Social Security coming earlier in the week, the representative defended the need for the program:

"(On Sunday) we commemorated President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act, which guarantees a healthy retirement for 38 million seniors. It is a symbol of America’s values that helped establish and maintain a vibrant middle class.

“Millions of Americans have worked hard and paid into Social Security knowing that they will be cared for when they retire. Yet, Republicans keep trying to undercut this successful program by repeatedly introducing legislation to take away guaranteed retirement benefits. The GOP is determined to expose Americans’ retirement funds, which they have earned, to the whims of Wall Street.

“Social Security was a landmark achievement for American working families. We owe it to the American people to protect it for years to come.”


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