Sen. Gary Peters: ‘This Hearing Gives a Platform to Conspiracy Theories and Lies’

EXCERPT:

PETERS: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thanks to our witnesses for being here today. You know, Mr. Chairman, if we have learned anything over the past few years it is that we cannot take our democracy for granted. Our institutions and our democratic norms have been under assault and when elected leaders fail to stand up to protect them, we just see how quickly things can erode. For generations Americans have been a shining example for budding democracies around the world. We’ve shown the world that strong governments and free societies can thrive when political power is entrusted to the people. We have demonstrated that the will of the people is above any one individual. And when voters choose their new leaders, power can be transferred peacefully. The president and many of his supporters are unfortunately continuing their efforts to undermine the will of the people, disenfranchise voters, and sew the seeds of mistrust and discontent to further their partisan desire for power. Whether intended or not, this hearing gives a platform to conspiracy theories and lies. It's a destructive exercise that has no place in the United States Senate.”