de la Cruz bill congratulating Trump on election victory fails in Senate

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PROVIDENCE – A resolution by Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz this week that would have congratulated President Donald Trump on his “historic and extraordinary victory in the 2024 presidential election,” failed in a 21-14 vote in the state Senate.

de la Cruz, a Republican who represents District 23 in Burrillville, North Smithfield and Glocester, submitted the resolution with co-sponsors Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers and Sens. Elaine Morgan, and Thomas Paolino, who also represents North Smithfield in District 17.

A release from the Senate Minority delegation notes that the sentiment was in keeping with a longstanding tradition in Rhode Island of congratulating the incoming president and vice president following each victory in the four year presidential election cycle. The House version, sponsored by House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, a Republican who represents District 40 in Glocester, Foster and Coventry, passed on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

“It was my sincere hope that the Senate would honor the tradition of the chamber to congratulate and wish success to an incoming president, as has been done previously for Presidents Biden, Obama and predecessors,” said de la Cruz in response to the vote, which came just as Trump administration ordered a pause in federal spending, leading Democrats in the Senate to lobby against the bill citing “illegal executive orders.” A federal judge later ruled that the spending freeze would have to wait until at least after a hearing, which has been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 3.

Proponents of the resolution, which would have directed the secretary of state to send a certified copy to the president, point out that it included historical context, noting that Trump is the first president since Grover Cleveland to be elected to two non-consecutive terms. The text also outlined issues championed by Trump during his campaigns, including border security, energy independence and America First foreign policy, and highlighted achievements from his first term including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, The First Step Act, and the establishment of Space Force.

de la Cruz expressed disappointment in her colleagues for not maintaining the state tradition.

“Despite being critical of policies of past presidents, I have always wished them success – because I want America to succeed – to become strong, safe, healthy, prosperous, and great again,” she said. “Instead of alienating the President, we should be building bridges.”

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7 COMMENTS

    • Wrong. Trump was never convicted of rape. In May 2023 the New York jury rejected the rape claim by E. Jean Carroll but did find him guilty of the lesser charge of sexual abuse and defamation. Recently ABC News settled a defamation case with Trump over George Stephanopulo’s public claim that Trump was convicted of rape. ABC News agreed to pay out $15 million to settle the case.

      As for the claim he is a fascist, that term is bandied about like racism and various phobias, so much that it has no meaning other than being an ad-hominem attack without substance or evidence.

  1. Jessica, thanks for all your hard work! You received my vote and will continue to, appreciate your representation of rural republicans that often get overlooked in this predominately democrat state. Good move trying to push the states congratulations to the new president which should occur REGARDLESS of the party affiliation!!!! Traditions are traditions and Rhode Island is full of them in our almost 400 year existence, continue to keep pushing, you are appreciated!!

  2. Jacky you have no idea what you’re talking about. It’s people like you that make America a bad place to live in. Where is your respect? I can’t even talk to people like you because you have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re one minded.

  3. We have NEVER had such a horrible man as Donald Trump serve as President, I don’t care how many people voted for him. One can’t alienate a person who doesn’t respect people and he certain is not looking to build bridges.

    Tradition be damned… I’m glad the Senate made their own decision.

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