(Washington, DC)- Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) strongly condemned the actions of Republican Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas in today's Committee markup.  Chairman Thomas's staff called the Capitol Police in an attempt to clear Democratic Members from the Ways and Means Committee Library.  Conyers stated, "The Majority attempted to use the Capitol Police to break up a private meeting of their Democratic colleagues.  This abuse of power not only undermines the very foundation of our democracy, but endangers the right of the elected representatives of the people to peaceably assemble and voice their opposition to the majority's policies and actions.  These actions threaten the very institution of the House of Representatives and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms."

"Since taking the majority, the Republican Party has routinely abused their power by preventing Democrats from engaging in vital debates on the House floor, denying us the opportunity to introduce amendments to legislation, and now by attempting to use the Capitol Police to break up a meeting of Democratic members.  These actions raise the partisan acrimony to new and dangerous levels that threaten to paralyze the House of Representatives.  The people of the United States and the traditions of the House deserve a higher level of respect and decorum from the majority."