From the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus:
House GOP Stonewalls Northam Appointments; Senate Democrats Fight Fire with Fire
RICHMOND, Va.: Today, Sens. Mamie Locke and Adam Ebbin spoke with House Speaker Todd Gilbert concerning more than 1,000 appointments made by Governor Ralph Northam, which will expire today due to lack of action by the House of Delegates.
Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said: “In our conversation with Speaker Gilbert this afternoon, the bravado and arrogance of House Republicans and Governor Youngkin were laid bare. They are putting partisan politics ahead of good governance; many of these appointees have been serving the Commonwealth for nearly a year, and denying them full confirmation undermines the smooth transfer of power Governor Youngkin claimed he accomplished. He has, at every turn, done his best to say one thing and do another. Senate Democrats are ready to work together for the better good of Virginia, but Governor Youngkin and House Republicans aren’t willing to come to the table, hiding instead behind back-door tactics and underhanded methods solely to score partisan points.”
Privileges and Elections Chair Senator Adam Ebbin said: “Governor Youngkin’s naivete about governing is evident in his and Virginia Republicans’ actions today. It is entirely unprecedented to throw away an entire year’s worth of hard work done by these appointees, and refusing their confirmation will bring parts of our government to a screeching halt. This is not a trivial matter, and playing politics with consequential governing and regulatory boards is plainly bad government.
“Speaker Gilbert and House Republicans need to get their act together to confirm these appointments; if not, we are prepared to fight fire with fire.”
The following bills confirming Governor Northam’s appointments passed unanimously out of the Senate and have not been docketed in the House: SJ12, SJ13, SJ39, SJ40, and SJ57.
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