RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT TRUMP ON HIS INAUGURATION AND HISTORIC VICTORY FAILS TO PASS RHODE ISLAND SENATE
STATE HOUSE, Providence – In an unprecedented move, the Rhode Island Senate failed to pass a Resolution sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers, Senator Elaine J. Morgan, and Senator Thomas J. Paolino, entitled “CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP ON HIS INAUGURATION AND HISTORIC AND EXTRAORDINARY VICTORY IN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.”
Every four years, the Senate has passed a resolution congratulating the incoming President and Vice President. Today’s resolution followed in that tradition and included historical context, such as President Trump being the first President since Grover Cleveland to be elected to two non-consecutive terms to serve as President of the United States.
The Resolution outlined key components President Trump championed during his campaigns, including border security, energy independence, and America First foreign policy. Additionally, it highlighted the contributions to the American people realized in President Trump’s first term, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, The First Step Act, and the establishment of Space Force.
“It was my sincere hope that the Senate would honor the tradition of the chamber to congratulate and wish success to an incoming President, as has been done previously for Presidents Biden, Obama and predecessors,” stated Senate Minority Leader de la Cruz in response to the Resolution’s failing. “Despite being critical of policies of past Presidents, I have always wished them success – because I want America to succeed – to become strong, safe, healthy, prosperous, and great again. Instead of alienating the President, we should be building bridges.”
The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare. 
