ARLINGTON, Va.—NRECA CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s events at the U.S. Capitol.
“Having served as a member of Congress for 14 years, I am deeply alarmed and saddened by the events at the U.S. Capitol. These outrageous and inexcusable acts do not reflect our identity as a nation of laws or as a democracy. Mob violence is never OK, but is especially repugnant when designed to achieve political ends.
“America’s electric cooperatives are focused on the prosperity, health, and quality of life in the communities we serve. We collaborate with our leaders and strive to help them make decisions in the best interests of the people they represent. And we propose and pursue solutions to our nation’s problems in a constructive way.
“Accordingly, the thousands of men and women who represent America’s electric cooperatives work with lawmakers in both parties, of all backgrounds and perspectives, in every single state and territory in the nation. Together, we will continue working to build bipartisan consensus and promote vibrant communities and a vibrant democracy.”
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.
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