They were not ‘in the conversation’, he says at Codman Square Neighborhood Council session
State Rep. Russell Holmes delivered a tough critique of the state’s Congressional leaders during a Codman Square Neighborhood Council meeting earlier this month.
Holmes, who appears regularly at the group’s meetings to update residents on state and federal government news, was critical of the Bay State’s two Democratic US senators, Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, saying it’s time for them to “get in the room” on issues like the federal government shutdown.
“I see these moderates moving all around and negotiating and it’s disappointing to me that my two senators are taking positions so liberal that they are not in the conversation,” he said, addressing concerns about the SNAP food benefit cuts during the shutdown.
Figuratively addressing the two legislators, Holmes said, “You are not in the room when it happens. Not to go surrender, but be a person who is seen as reasonable enough to be in the room when negotiations happen.”
Holmes noted that his district, particularly the 02124 Dorchester zip code that includes Codman Square, was the third highest impacted area by SNAP delays in the state behind parts of Brockton and Lawrence.
“Get back in that room,” he reiterated.
His comments come as Markey is facing an announced challenge for re-election in next September’s primary in the person of North Shore Congressman Seth Moulton.
And US Rep. Ayanna Pressley is said to be contemplating getting in the Senate race herself. Warren’s term runs through 2030.
The 43-day federal shutdown that ended last week has intensified debate about how Democrats should maneuver around Republican policies that are widely seen as hostile to blue cities like Boston.
Moderate US Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans in a deal to re-open the federal government last week have been harshly criticized by more left-leaning members of their party like Markey, Warren, and Pressley.
State Rep. Chris Worrell shares their views.
“It’s shameful and clear that Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress don’t care about people in our communities,” Worrell said last week. “But when some Congressional Democrats didn’t have the backbone to stand up to this and caved, getting no concessions, it’s no surprise that people don’t trust politicians. Frankly, it’s appalling.”
State Rep. Dan Hunt last week reiterated his support for Markey, saying he disagrees that his clear positions have rendered him ineffective. He gave a no comment to a question about Warren’s performance.
“I’ve endorsed Ed Markey for re-election,” he said. “Senator Markey is certainly energized and fully engaged and has been a great partner in a number of initiatives. I’ve worked with him on support for local non-profits. It’s not true for Markey.”
State Sen. Nick Collins, asked for comment on the matter, offered a statement: “I think the challenge, particularly for those representing Massachusetts, is how to balance fighting for our principles and values while also considering on what to compromise to get things done for the greater good.
“Even dating back to the Continental Congress this was a struggle for Massachusetts. Let’s not forget, at the outset, representatives from Massachusetts were alone in wanting independence from the British crown.”
Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid and state Sen. Liz Miranda did not respond to requests for comment about what others were saying.
Long before the shutdown, frustration over national happenings had been filtering in various ways through the electorate, down into the ward committees and civic associations.
Earlier this year, long-time Ward 15 Democratic Co-Chair Ed Cook resigned from his position, citing his age and the need for younger leadership. He said too many older Democrats like Markey and Warren were holding seats too long and blocking young talent.
Joe Biden’s “decision to try to go ahead for a second term at his age really gave us Donald Trump,” said Cook. “I think the world of [Ed Markey] but he’s going to be 84 if re-elected to another term. It’s time for him to let go and the same for Elizabeth Warren. There’s so much talent in this state ready to go.”
His sentiment was shared by Ward 15 co-chair Karen Charles at the time.
