‘America today is starting to feel like Europe in the 1930s': Mass. lawmakers condemn Trump's first 100 days in office
'As someone who lost family members to the Holocaust, I do not say this lightly, but what we are experiencing in America today is starting to feel like Europe in the 1930s,' Spilka said in her 20-minute speech. 'It's not just terrifying, it is enraging — this is not who we are.'
'We must demand more from our elected representatives in Congress to act as the check on unfettered executive power that the Constitution demands of them,' she later added.
Massachusetts state lawmakers have slowly become more vocal in opposing the administration as their
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The state Senate this month announced a 'Response 2025″ initiative intended to figure out how to respond to Trump at the state level. So far, they have endorsed a bill seeking to protect those who
The 13 Democratic senators who spoke Monday especially criticized
'What we are facing is a capricious, vengeful, and cruel administration that has co-opted federal law enforcement agents and openly defied our courts — the exact opposite of the law and order that Trump and his supporters have proclaimed to actually care about so much," Spilka said.
Several touched on other issues. Senator Adam Gomez of Springfield highlighted how efforts to
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What the Legislature can do to push back on Trump's 'firehose of law-defying, anti-democratic and truly, breathtakingly unbelievable actions' is limited, Spilka said. While she and others urged Congress to rein in his administration, it remains controlled by Republicans who endorse Trump's agenda.
Some senators noted opportunities where the state can step in, such as by passing already-filed bills to protect immigrants without legal documentation or crafting legislation to shield judges and others targeted by Trump. Senator Barry Finegold of Andover also called to increase funding for the attorney general's office as she
The remarks Monday were also intended to reassure residents concerned about the administration's actions, said Senator Lydia Edwards of East Boston.
'We hold up this mirror today and make a recommitment to our constituents: We will not forget you, we will fight, and we do this knowing that we are facing abnormal times and an acute, horrific oppression,' Edwards said.
Anjali Huynh can be reached at
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