Thursday, December 1, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today released the following statement on the protests involving the Dakota Access Pipeline:

“I stand behind the protesters and Native American tribes against the continued construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline until affected tribes are consulted and appropriate reviews are completed. We must make sure that the federal government’s role and reviews are fair, open and followed to the letter of the law. 

“Peaceful protest and the right of all citizens to be heard are cornerstones of our democracy. The use of riot gear against the protesters should be reconsidered and a peaceful resolution should be resolved through existing government procedures. There are serious environmental and religious concerns that must be thoughtfully and thoroughly reviewed before any further action occurs.”‎