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Trump Personnel Choices, Other Actions Should Promote Unity, DeGette Says

November 15, 2016

Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), who serves as Chief Deputy Whip, today issued the following statement about personnel choices made and actions taken as the Trump presidency takes shape:

"If we remain a divided country, we won’t rise to our full promise. With the rancorous election past, it is now everyone’s duty – from the grass roots to the top leaders of this great nation – to look beyond party lines, ethnic and religious backgrounds, special interests and other divisions and to make a better future for us all.

“We can’t let the gaps grow wider by the day; rather, we must come together as one.

“Hateful rhetoric, vandalism and violence are unacceptable. All Americans – including immigrants, people of color, women and girls, and the LGBT community – deserve far better. Each of us can speak out about these matters, express solidarity especially with the most vulnerable and ensure that the rights of all are respected. President-elect Trump is better positioned than most to have his voice heard.

“Further, as President Obama noted yesterday when asked about Mr. Trump’s selections for senior appointees in the White House and potential cabinet nominees, ‘Gestures matter.’ Immediate advisors such as Steve Bannon and proposed agency heads work with the president to set the direction for an administration; his selection of them sets its tone.

“So far, the news and rumors have been disquieting – especially for people across the country who have been engaged in promoting civil rights, a cleaner environment, sustainable energy and better health care. I hope Republicans, Democrats, Independents and others will work together to build on recent gains in these areas and reassure Americans that, both before and after his inauguration, Mr. Trump intends to represent us all.”