Confronting Misrepresentation in the Senate
During a recent US Senate Intelligence Committee hearing focused on global threats, Senator Tom Cotton made false allegations against CODEPINK: Women for Peace, a group I have proudly engaged with for over two decades, accusing it of being funded by the Communist Party of China.
A Bold Protest
As the hearing proceeded, CODEPINK activist Tighe Barry, after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s lengthy remarks on U.S. national security, stood up to proclaim, “Stop Funding Israel.” This statement was necessary, as neither Senator Cotton nor Vice Chair Mark Warner had acknowledged Israel in their opening statements, nor had Gabbard addressed the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
Capitol Police Intervention
In a strikingly reminiscent manner of the McCarthy hearings from the 1950s, when Capitol police were ushering Barry out, Cotton inaccurately labeled him a “CODEPINK lunatic funded by the Communist Party of China.” He then invited anyone to speak up. In defiance of these unfounded claims, I stood and declared, “I am a retired Army Colonel and former diplomat. I work with CODEPINK, and we are not funded by Communist China.” Consequently, I too was removed from the hearing room and arrested by Capitol police.
Continuing the Confrontation
After my removal, Cotton continued his inaccurate rhetoric, stating that the funding from Communist China to CODEPINK, which allegedly interrupted a hearing about Israel, supported Gabbard’s assertion that global adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are colluding more than ever before.
Responsibility and Consequences
Senator Cotton seems unmindful of the weight of his new role as chair of the Senate’s Intelligence Committee, disregarding how his damaging statements can endanger individuals and their families. In an era of heightened political polarization, the words of leaders can incite extreme reactions from supporters, as evident during the January 6th insurrection, which was fueled by incendiary rhetoric from former President Trump.
CODEPINK’s Advocacy Journey
Since 2001, CODEPINK has actively challenged the war policies of five different presidential administrations—beginning with the Bush-era wars in Afghanistan and Iraq—even before Senator Cotton joined the Senate in 2014. Our presence in Congressional offices has been steadfast, advocating for peace and accountability amidst the war policies put forth by Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden.
Filing Complaints and Continuing the Fight
After my release from the Capitol Hill police station, our CODEPINK delegation visited Senator Cotton’s office to formally file a complaint. Additionally, we will be submitting a complaint to the Senate Ethics Committee regarding Cotton’s misleading remarks made during the hearing.
Calling Out Disinformation
The unlawful deportation of international students engaged in protests against U.S. complicity in the genocide of Palestinians, along with the harsh treatment of visitors entering the country, highlights a troubling pattern. The intimidating tactics employed by Senator Cotton during the Senate hearing, aimed at discrediting those who challenge U.S. policies—including its role in the Israeli genocide—must be addressed and opposed.
Standing Up to Misleading Influences
Moreover, it is crucial to scrutinize U.S. Senators who receive funding from foreign interest groups. Senator Cotton himself has accepted nearly $1.2 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to support the oppressive policies of the State of Israel.
About Ann Wright
Ann Wright is a retired Colonel with 29 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, along with 16 years as a diplomat. Having served in various U.S. embassies worldwide, she resigned from the government in March 2003 in opposition to the Iraq war. Ann is a member of several peace organizations, including CODEPINK, Veterans For Peace, and Women Cross DMZ, and is co-author of “Dissent: Voices of Conscience.”
