Local Democrats Condemn Ami Bera – US Congressman Who Refused to Criticize 1984 Sikh Genocide

SACRAMENTO, California, USA—In a letter dated 2/8/16 (attached), local Democrat delegates and activists opposed to the Democratic Party endorsement of Congressman Ami Bera have requested that his office produce documents related to his activities with foreign governments, organizations and individuals.

The letter is a followup to Rep. Bera’s remarks during his failed attempt to obtain the endorsement of the Democratic Party of California. The letter states, “During your remarks, you did not address the substantive reasons behind your votes on the key legislative items that have caused some acrimony amongst delegates. In an effort to better understand your motivations, we have taken the time to closely review your most recently filed campaign finance statements. We are troubled by contributions from those that appear to be closely connected to foreign investment funds and foreign nations.”

“We all worked long and hard to elect Congressman Bera and believed him when he said he would be a strong representative for this district and for Americans. However, his voting record indicates a clear pattern that benefits overseas investors, foreign governments and their representatives,” stated Robert Longer, legislative and political director for the Communications Workers of America. “We are simply asking that he produce his records so that we can examine his activities, evaluate any links and determine his motivations.”

“Across the country, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment has been on the rise in recent months. We are seeing increased attacks on Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and their places of worship. Congressman Bera gave in to this trend when he voted to restrict refugees from Syria and Iraq,” explained Moe Sarama, Chair of the Arab American Caucus of the California Democratic Party. “Given his close connections to a right-wing anti-minority government in India, we are concerned that he may be rewarding his overseas supporters by taking an anti-Muslim stance in domestic affairs.”

“Elected officials from across the political landscape have clearly explained that the Trans-Pacific Partnership would be a disaster for working families, yet Congressman Bera supports it. He also voted to remove labels from foreign meat and genetically modified food. We have to wonder if he has been influenced to side with overseas investors instead of representing Americans,” stated Karen Bernal, former chair of the California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus.

“Congressman Bera’s top contributors control over $300 billion around the world, including $28 billion in India and Asia. They have given SuperPACs $6.8 million since 2012,” stated Amar Shergill, attorney and Democratic Party delegate. “It is difficult to believe that when they lobby Congressman Bera that their primary concern is for American jobs and families, particularly when so many of his votes have gone against our local interests.”

“Congressman Bera has twice been found plagiarizing documents from conservative groups which he passed off as his own original work. As these groups are committed to massive investment overseas that will hurt American families, we have no choice but to question what else our congressman has lifted from their agenda,” stated Ric Barreto, CDP Delegate and President of the John F. Kennedy Democratic Club.

“Although the California Assembly unanimously approved Assembly Concurrent Resolution 34, finding the government of India responsible for genocide, Congressman Bera remains alone in continuing to defend those that raped, tortured and murdered thousands of Sikhs in 1984,” explained Shergill. “Since there is no objective reason for his position, we are requesting documents that might explain his otherwise inexplicable behavior in defending India instead of survivors of the genocide that live in this district.”

All of those quoted in this press release worked diligently to elect Congressman Bera. The documents requested from Rep. Bera will be shared with Democratic delegates at the California Democratic Party Convention.