Broken benches and glass littered the floor inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.(Photo: Erin Scott/Bloomberg)
Life, health and annuity groups have responded to the takeover of the U.S. Capitol that occurred Wednesday with calls for bipartisanship and peaceful resolution of differences.
Some insurers have turned out to have an indirect connection with the rallies that preceded the takeover: They have contributed to the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA).
Organizers of the March to Save America rally listed the Rule of Law Defense Fund as one of 11 major participating organizations, along with Stop the Steal and WildProtest.com.
The Rule of Law Defense Fund is an arm of RAGA. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, the head of the fund, told AL.com that the fund staff made unauthorized decisions in connection with the rally. He said he condemns efforts by some rally participants to storm the Capitol.
Here's what insurance groups are saying in statements or social media postings:
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI)
ACLI President Susan Neely said in a statement:
The peaceful transition of power has distinguished the United States for more than 200 years, serving as one of the many examples of American exceptionalism.
What took place today — the invasion of the U.S. Capitol — was fully at odds with American greatness and traditions. It will not stop America's democratic process. America's life insurers condemn the violence and its perpetrators.
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take the oath of office on January 20. The 117th Congress will continue its work and America will continue to be governed by the consent of the people as described in the Constitution.
It was a dark day, but the light of freedom in America will never be extinguished.
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
AHIP President Matt Eyles posted:
Like you, I am watching with great shock and dismay at the events that are unfolding in our nation's capital. The formal counting of electoral votes is an important and time-honored part of our democratic institutions along with our uninterrupted history of peaceful transfers of power. To see the violent disruption of these proceedings incited by an American president is an image that I never thought we would witness in our great country. While this is dispiriting for the nation and presented serious concerns for the safety of those with whom we frequently work in Congress, I remain confident that democracy will prevail, order will be restored, and the Congress will be able to resume its constitutional duty.
In the meantime, I urge you all to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. Washington D.C. is the heart of our democracy — and it is our home. I also want to highlight that a curfew has been set in Washington, D.C., for 6pm tonight until 6am tomorrow, and AHIP's offices remain closed due to the pandemic. We will keep you informed of any events that directly impact our facilities.
I also encourage you to reach out to our employee assistance program (EAP) for additional support. The EAP hotline is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
