‘The Slide Away From Democracy Continues’: George Latimer Slams Trump For Firing Librarian Of Congress

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During Thursday’s remarks on the House floor, Rep. George Latimer (D-NY) spoke about President Trump’s dismissal of the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.

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00:00President Trump fired the Librarian of Congress, just one year shy of completing her 10-year

00:14term. He also fired the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, replacing them with his

00:19former lawyers and current DOJ appointees. While the President may get to appoint the

00:24Librarian, these offices are under the jurisdiction of Congress and we should be consulted. I've

00:30raised concerns about troubling patterns that we've seen emerging in our country, patterns

00:35that echo tactics of regimes in Hungary, North Korea, and Venezuela. These are not governments

00:41we admire, yet this latest move fits that mold. The Library of Congress is the world's largest

00:48library and a symbol of our commitment to free thought. We have seen growing attacks on libraries

00:54and books nationwide. Now it seems even the Library of Congress is not off limits. While

01:00personnel were fired, this is about power. Who controls what Americans read, learn and dream?

01:07When you limit access to knowledge, you limit freedom. And you send a clear message, questioning

01:12authority is no longer welcome. The slide away from democracy continues. Mr. Speaker, I yield

01:18back.

01:19The gentleman yields.

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