WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a group of former Republican members of Congress led by former Representatives Mickey Edwards and Claudine Schneider released the following statement responding to charges being filed against Representative LaMonica McIver:

“We unequivocally reject the charges against Congresswoman McIver. The constitutional duties of Members of Congress include not only passing legislation but also oversight of executive branch implementation of those laws. That is an essential dimension of American checks and balances. Rep. Mclver was present at the ICE facility as part of her official congressional duties. We believe this extreme response to the events of that day is unwarranted.”

The group of former members of the U.S. House and Senate issued the statement to denounce charges filed against Rep. McIver after her visit to a New Jersey detention facility earlier this month.

“This behavior by the Trump administration is outrageous,” said former Rep. Claudine Schneider. “Every member of Congress, both past and present, should be speaking up. If not, we will very soon lose our ability to do so.”

The full list of former members releasing the statement is below:

Mickey Edwards, Former Representative from Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District from 1977 to 1993 (R).

Gordon Humphrey, Former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire from 1979 to 1990 (R).

Claudine Schneider, Former Representative from Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District from 1981 to 1991 (R).

Barbara Comstock, Former Representative from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District from 2015-2019 (R).

David Emery, Former Representative from Maine’s 1st Congressional District from 1975 to 1983 (R).

Wayne Gilchrest, Former Representative from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District from 1991 to 2009 (R).

Christopher Shays, Former Representative from Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District from 1987 to 2009 (R).

Denver Riggleman, Former Representative from Virginia’s 5th Congressional District from 2019-2021 (R).

Peter Smith, Former Representative from Vermont’s At-Large Congressional District from 1989 to 1991 (R).

David Trott, Former Representative from Michigan’s 11th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019 (R).

Joe Walsh, Former Representative from Illinois’ 8th Congressional District from 2011-2013 (R).

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