Rep. Ocasio-Cortez discusses Trump impeachment, legislative package at town hall

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke to constituents Wednesday about a new law she's proposing and the impeachment inquiry.

Ocasio-Cortez addressed the audience at P.S. 71 in Pelham Bay, saying President Donald Trump has proved he cannot hold office without breaking the law. It comes as House Democrats announced a new phase of the impeachment inquiry, with public hearings next week.

Ocasio-Cortez said Fox News' Tucker Carlson recently criticized her for being "anti-police" after saying those who can't afford a subway fare should not be criminalized. She denied that, say instead that it's anti poverty, which was the basis of the town hall discussion.

Her proposed bills include ensuring immigration status and criminal history don't affect a person's eligibility for welfare. Another bill directs the Department of Labor to ensure federal agencies prioritize contracts that are worker-friendly.

This would give the public funds to entities that provide paid family leave and a $15/hour minimum wage to employees. Climate change also came up in the town hall discussion, and Ocasio-Cortez is about fully investing in de-carbonizing the economy.

The congresswoman also says it's critical that voters' rights are protected to ensure they come out and vote in the 2020 election.

"The situation we're talking about is very serious, and we're talking about the rule of law in the United States of America, and it's not an exaggeration to say if we don't hold these crimes accountable, the very integrity of our country is at stake," says Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez has been talking to her community about a new legislative package "A Just Society" designed to address economic inequality by promising things like a living wage, safe working conditions, health care and affordable housing.

It has been a year to the day since Ocasio-Cortez was elected to office, and she called the last year a crazy one. She says she is preparing to defend her congressional seat against challenger and Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera.


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