The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on "Exposing Fraud in America" took place on Wednesday, with a notable absence of Democrats from the dais.
Only Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., was present during the opening statement, but he left before the main questioning of witnesses began. The Democratic side of the dais remained vacant throughout the hearing.
Republicans and conservative commentators quickly criticized the Democrats' absence, amid ongoing scrutiny of fraud cases in Minnesota, California, and other states. The lack of attendance drew criticism online, with some labeling the no-show Democrats as "cowards."
Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, pointed out the elephant in the room when he noted that a Democrat was supposed to be given time to question witnesses after a Republican finished. Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., responded by stating that there didn't appear to be a great deal of interest across the aisle.
During the hearing, witnesses Nick Shirley and James O'Keefe testified about their work exposing fraud in various states. Shirley discussed his experience touring day care centers in Minneapolis, where he and his reporting partner David Hoch discovered evidence of fraud. O'Keefe testified about his work in Los Angeles, where he recorded exchanges with election petition circulators offering money or drugs in exchange for ballot signatures.
Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner asked Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., about the optics of Democrats' empty seats on Wednesday. Blackburn responded that Democrats didn't want to know the truth about fraud and were turning a blind eye to the issue.
Florida political reporter Eric Daugherty commented that the Senate held an important "anti-taxpayer fraud meeting" and that every single Democrat seat was empty. "One hundred percent of Democrats on the committee were invited – 0% showed up. The party of fraud," Daugherty declared.
The hearing highlighted the ongoing issue of fraud in various states, with witnesses testifying about their experiences exposing such cases. The lack of attendance from Democrats drew widespread criticism and sparked a heated debate about the issue.
