(Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield) is being censured for participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection.)
The Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee advanced a censure resolution against State Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield) on Tuesday.
This comes after she participated in and encouraged the protest-turned-insurrection on Jan. 6.
The bill, sponsored by Senator John Bell (D-13), Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-33), Senator George Barker (D-39), and Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30), cites Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which says that no person shall, “hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath . . . as a member of any State legislature . . . to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof”
The resolution has to advance out of the Privileges and Elections Committee prior to the full Senate voting on it.
“It brings me no joy to present this bill today,” said Senator John Bell (D-Loudon) on Tuesday when presenting the resolution to the committee. “It is an issue of right and wrong.”
Bell noted that it was terrible to know that one of his Senate colleagues participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection. “Words matter,” he said on Tuesday. “When I saw our Capital attacked it was one of the more horrific things I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
Facebook removed Chase’s campaign page after the insurrection as she continued to push conspiracy theories and call the insurrectionists “patriots.” Prior to her page being removed, Chase wrote: “These were not rioters and looters; these were Patriots who love their country and do not want to see our great republic turn into a socialist country. I was there with the people; I know. Don’t believe the fake media narrative.”
The Democratic caucus called for her resignation – however, they are still moving forward with the censure resolution as a form of discipline for Chase’s comments. The last censure to take place in the state Senate was in 1987. “Her actions must also have consequences,” said Bell.
Senator Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) spoke in support of Chase, saying he would not suppress Chase’s “right to offend” other people, also citing the right to free speech and the right of assembly.
Chase was not present at the meeting to defend herself. Moments before the committee voted, Chase called in and asked the committee to delay their vote so she could have more time. The committee had already motioned to hold the vote, however, and the motion was not withdrawn, meaning the committee had to vote.
The committee eventually moved forward with the vote, advancing the censure resolution on a partisan 9-6 vote.
“I think it is completely ridiculous,” Chase said in an interview after the vote. “It’s all politically motivated because I’m running for Governor.”
Chase said she did not know the vote was happening at that time, however, she also does not feel the need to defend herself. “The only thing I am guilty of is supporting President Trump.”
Chase also said that she intends to investigate and file a censure against any of her colleagues that participated in a protest that caused damage. This comes after Chase already announced she was filing a censure against Senate president pro-tempore Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth). “She will be the first of many,” Chase said on Tuesday. “Get your popcorn, it’s going to be an interesting session. Pay attention to the Privileges and Elections Committee.”
cen·sure – express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement.
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