1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

What happened to Senator Padilla on June 12th was a direct attack on congressional authority. He identified himself, attempted to ask a question, and was physically restrained, handcuffed, and removed by DHS agents. This was not a protestor. This was a sitting U.S. Senator performing official oversight. This cannot be ignored. Congress must respond immediately: 1. Launch a formal investigation into DHS conduct at the press conference. 2. Issue a public condemnation of the use of force against a member of Congress. 3. Reinforce protections for congressional access, oversight, and speech at federal events. Every member of Congress should be alarmed. If federal agents can silence a Senator without consequence, oversight is meaningless. The balance of power is at risk. Do your job. Tell every person in Congress that this is wrong!