Thousands of scientists came to Washington, DC Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, and a large number of Democratic lawmakers are scrambling to join in.
Democratic Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, ranking member on the House committee on Science, Space, and Technology, slammed Trump in advance for cutting funding to scientists, particularly with respect to environmental issues.
“Though I am disheartened by the fact that there currently is a need to defend the ‘vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies, and governments,’ I am thrilled to see such a large and diverse group of people passionate about science,” Johnson said in a press release. “Science shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I hope that members on both sides of the aisle are supporting all of the goals of today’s march.”
A Friday analysis from statistics site 538 found that as much as 60 percent of all political donations from members of the scientific community go to Democratic candidates. Scientists overall donated over $140 million over the last ten years, according to the report.
Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland attended the march, and tweeted out his support.
Supporting science with my fellow Marylanders. #ScienceMarch #EarthDay pic.twitter.com/ao1GbXysEO
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) April 22, 2017
Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy took a swipe at Trump, asserting that the administration was a know-nothing, anti-science one.
Supporting science with my fellow Marylanders. #ScienceMarch #EarthDay pic.twitter.com/ao1GbXysEO
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) April 22, 2017
Other Democrats nationwide tweeted their support of the movement.
To Wisconsinites joining the #MarchForScience today – in the words of our state’s motto – Forward! pic.twitter.com/VqaVOPXJJW
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) April 22, 2017
Happy #EarthDay! As people participate in the #MarchforScience today, I encourage everyone to stay active in taking a stand beyond today. pic.twitter.com/4OF1Sdu8Lz
— US Rep E.B.Johnson (@RepEBJ) April 22, 2017
As 500 cities around the world #MarchforScience, a lesson to the GOP—science is not up for debate. Empirical evidence > #AlternativeFacts
— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) April 22, 2017
The earth day protests were held in 610 locations across the globe, with large protests scheduled for New York City, Washington, DC.
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