CNN "The Lead with Jake Tapper" - Transcript: Interview With Rep. Nita Lowey
Interview
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Joining me now is the co-author of that op-ed, New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey. She's also the chair of the Appropriations Committee in the House.
Congresswoman, Madam Chair, thanks so much for joining us. Anti-Semitic attacks in New York and the region are up. Police say they're not largely being carried out by white supremacists or the alt-right. Are these attacks all connected in any way and what's going on?
REP. NITA LOWEY (D-NY): I think what's most important is that we all speak out forcefully, as I did at this event in Rockland County.
I have represented all the good people, a diverse group of people, in Rockland for almost 10 years, and they work together, they live together. I am so disturbed that these attacks are increasing, not just here in New York, but all throughout the country.
And it's important that we speak out forcefully and take action. I organize with my colleagues. There are about 100 of us who are part of a coalition to address the challenges that we have, both here and throughout the country.
In fact, this is an epidemic throughout the world. So we each have to do our part in understanding this is real, and addressing it. I have organized in Washington an effort to fortify the synagogues, to fortify homes that could be attacked by vicious people who don't understand the great benefits of living together in a society.
And for those of us who are in Congress or those of us in positions of authority must speak out forcefully. This epidemic has got to stop.
TAPPER: Let me ask you. And it's not related, in the sense that you can't compare words to acts of violence.
But there was a push earlier this year in the House to condemn anti- Semitic tropes that two of your colleagues had engaged in, ones that you condemned. Then that resolution was changed. And critics say that it was watered down.
And, again, one can obviously not compare words that offend people with acts of violence. But did Democrats fail to take on this issue directly, the way that you're calling for it to be right now?
LOWEY: Several years ago, I was an organizer of the caucus to deal with anti-Semitic incidents, to deal with those who are perpetrating these kinds of incidents.
And I think it's essential now that we all work together from this point on to increase our oversight. I have funded certainly at synagogues and churches, all places of worship protective methods, so those within the buildings can be protected.
And I intend to continue to do that.
TAPPER: Before you go -- I only have another minute with you. I do want to ask you about impeachment.
You're a close colleague and friend of the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi. Is she close to sending over the articles of impeachment to the Senate? And, if not, is there a chance, if she cannot reach an agreement with Leader McConnell, that she will not send the articles of impeachment to the Senate at all?
LOWEY: I think Nancy Pelosi, our speaker, has acted appropriately and fairly. Thoughtful people, such as Adam Schiff, have conducted a very in-depth investigation.
Impeachment was voted on by the House. And I think the speaker is absolutely correct and wanting to make sure there will be an appropriate process in the Senate to deal with these serious charges.
[16:35:08]
TAPPER: Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowey of New York, thank you so much for your time. Appreciate it.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg is going after former Vice President Joe Biden again -- the new criticism about Biden's son.
That's next.
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