Kyrsten Sinema’s controversies: why progressives won’t be sad to see the bisexual senator leave
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Senator Kyrsten Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of the Senate, has officially announced her decision not to run for re-election this year. This move comes after a turbulent time in office marked by controversies that have left many progressives frustrated with her actions.
Sinema, who won as a Democrat in 2018 and later switched to being an independent, posted an announcement on Twitter explaining her choice to bow out of the upcoming re-election campaign. In her statement, she mentioned that she believes in her approach but recognizes that it may not align with the current desires of America.
During her time in the Senate, Sinema faced backlash from various groups for her controversial decisions. One significant point of contention was her opposition to raising the minimum wage. In March 2021, she famously voted against adding a minimum wage increase to President Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill, drawing comparisons to the late Republican Senator John McCain’s iconic thumbs-down vote on repealing Obamacare.
Another contentious issue was Sinema’s stance on Medicare prescription drug pricing reforms. She opposed allowing the government to negotiate drug costs and refused to support a House Democratic bill that would limit which drugs could be subject to negotiation. Critics pointed out her close ties to pharmaceutical PACs, suggesting a conflict of interest in her decision-making.
Sinema also faced criticism for her position on taxing the wealthy. She reportedly blocked efforts to raise taxes on wealthy investors, leading to accusations of prioritizing special interests over the needs of the American people.
Additionally, Sinema came under fire for allegedly mistreating her staff and using taxpayer-funded resources for personal convenience, such as private air travel. Reports of a detailed 37-page guide outlining her staff’s duties raised further questions about her leadership style and priorities.
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Sinema involved her refusal to support filibuster reform, which could have facilitated the passage of critical legislation on voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive rights. Her decision to block changes to the filibuster rule drew sharp criticism from progressives and ultimately led to her censure by the Arizona Democratic Party.
As Sinema prepares to leave the Senate at the end of this year, many progressives and LGBTQ+ individuals are unlikely to mourn her departure. Her divisive actions and alignment with Republican policies have left a lasting impact on her legacy in office. The controversies surrounding Sinema serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by politicians who prioritize bipartisanship over progressive values.
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