Common Cause/NY & Citizens Crime Commission Condemn U.S. House Attack on Democracy and Rule of Law in New York

DA has full criminal authority in NYC, not Congress

NEW YORK, NY (03/31/2023) (readMedia)-- Now that a grand jury has indicted former President Trump, House Republicans have doubled down on their plans to demand sworn testimony from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. In response, Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY and Richard Aborn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City, released the following joint statement:

"It is an unprecedented and gross abuse of power for the United States House of Representatives to even contemplate interfering in a criminal proceeding by threatening to direct a duly elected, sitting District Attorney in front of a House Committee for questioning. Congress has no jurisdiction over criminal matters in New York. The Manhattan District Attorney is exercising his proper authority to pursue the facts wherever they may lead, without fear or favor. Maintaining the independence of the Office of the District Attorney is integral to the functioning of our legal system, and Members of Congress who violate that sovereignty do so in flagrant disregard for our democracy. This is not just an attack on D.A. Bragg and the Assistant District Attorneys – all of whom are public servants – but on the rule of law and American democracy itself."

ABOUT COMMON CAUSE/NY

Common Cause is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit public advocacy organization founded in New York in 1970 by John Gardner as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest. With more than 1 million members and supporters and 30 state organizations, Common Cause is committed to honest, open and accountable government and to encourage citizen participation in democracy. Since its inception, the New York chapter has always been and continues to be one of the most active state organizations in the country, representing over 60,000 New Yorkers throughout the state.

ABOUT CITIZENS CRIME COMMISSION

Citizens Crime Commission is a non-partisan non-profit organization working to make criminal justice and public safety policies and practices more effective through innovation, research, and education.