Washington—House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks and Lead Republican Michael McCaul released the following statement in response to today’s violence in the U.S. Capitol Building:

“America has always been a beacon of freedom to the world; proof that free and fair elections are achievable, and that democracy works. But what happened at the Capitol today has scarred our reputation and has damaged our standing in the world.

“Today’s violence – an inevitable result when leaders in positions of power misled the public – will certainly empower dictators and damage struggling democracies.

“The people perpetrating the violent insurrection of the Capitol today should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. We must send a message to the world that this is not acceptable, and that America continues to stand for the rule of law.

“It is time to make the peaceful transition of power. The world is watching.”

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