Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (Ariz.) Office is backtracking on criticism of its vote on Friday to reject a $ 15 minimum wage bill, with a senator spokesman commenting on how he voted so sexist.
Cinema was there eight Democrats who voted against the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders: Cinema responds to criticism of its vote against minimum wage, implying that it is sexist Biden turns victory after Senate approves coroner virus relief package Schumer insists Democrats unite after a chaotic debate over the MORE coronavirus (I-Vt.) In an effort to raise the federal minimum wage to $ 15 per hour.
The Senate voted 58 to 42 against an attempt to waive a procedural objection to the addition of the $ 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief provision bill, which the Senate approved Saturday by the party line.
Fellow Democratic lawmakers and others took to Twitter to condemn Sinema’s vote, with Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) Retweeting a 2014 Sinema tweet in which she wrote: “A full-time minimum wage earns less than $ 16,000 a year. This is obvious. Tell Congress #RaiseTheWage! ”
“To be clear, his state, Arizona wants overwhelmingly and 15 / hour,” Newman posted last night.
To be clear, its state, Arizona wants overwhelmingly and 15 / hour. https://t.co/knKM2T17J5
– Marie Newman (@ Marie4Congress) March 6, 2021
However, others commented on the way Sinema voted.
The Arizona senator walked up to the Senate floor and gave a thumbs down, the signal most often used by lawmakers to vote against a bill, while a thumbs up indicates his support.
Some Twitter users focused specifically on the ways of Sinema, such as how he nodded, submerged his shoulders, and bent his knee before stepping back and walking away.
Others also focused on her clothes and handbag, claiming she indicated that the moderate Democrat was out of touch with Americans who supported a pay rise.
Did Sinema really vote against a $ 15 minimum wage for 24 million people like that? pic.twitter.com/Jv0UXLKLHI
– Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) March 5, 2021
No one should ever be so happy to vote against lifting people out of poverty. This is the senator who votes no for the $ 15 minimum wage. https://t.co/qNfYy8co4m
– Rashida Tlaib
Rashida Harbi TlaibSinema again criticizes its vote against the minimum wage, implying that sexist progressives push the White House to overturn the wage ruling Six ways to visualize a divided America MORE (@RashidaTlaib) March 6, 2021
I have a thumbs up for you, Kyrsten Sinema # 15Ara #JobsAndCare pic.twitter.com/ioECzVWl6l
– Nelini Stamp (@NelStamp) March 5, 2021
Hannah Hurley, spokeswoman for Sinema, backed down against that comment, however, in a statement to The Huffington Post Friday evening, “Comments about a female senator’s body language, clothing or physical behavior do not belong in any serious media.”
Hurley doubled his claims of sexism in a tweet later Friday, repeating his statement in the Post and adding, “I’m on the side of what I said.”
I stand by what I said: comments about a female senator’s body language, clothing, or physical behavior don’t belong in any serious media.
– Hannah L. Hurley (@HannahLHurley) March 6, 2021
The Hill has contacted Hurley to comment.
In a statement defending his vote on Friday, Sinema noted that he supported minimum wage increases in his state in 2006 and 2016, but added:the Senate should hold an open debate and an amendment process on raising the minimum wage, separate from the COVID-focused reconciliation bill. ”
“I understand what it’s like to face difficult decisions while working to meet the most basic needs of your family. I also know the difference that the best salaries can make, ”he added. “I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides to ensure that Americans have access to well-paid jobs, quality education and training to build safer lives economically for themselves and their families.”