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Alaska Congressman David Eastman (R), a former oath keeper who attended a Jan. 6 rally to stop theft, said Monday whether there would be financial benefits from the deaths of abused children. When I asked, it sparked outrage.
During a state House Judiciary Committee hearing this week, Eastman made confusing statements about how adverse childhood experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, can affect us throughout life. During the hearing, representatives of the Alaska Children’s Trust gave a policy briefing to lawmakers that long-term fatal child abuse and neglect cost families and society an estimated $1.5 million in medical costs and potential lifetime income. We focused on the fact that it could bring When it was Eastman’s turn to ask, Eastman used data from his policy brief to suggest that the death of an abused child could mean “cost cutting” for the government.
“I would argue that this is certainly a cost savings, as this child does not need government benefits and would not need them as a result of growing up in such an environment. I can,’ he said.
“Can you say it again? Did you say ‘benefit to society’?” Trevor Storrs, president and CEO of the Alaska Children’s Trust, asked in response to Eastman’s question. .
“I don’t know how to answer,” he said, adding that losing a child would be “tremendous” for the family. I don’t even know what to say here. Rep. Eastman says society benefits when a child victim of abuse dies because there is “no need for government services throughout the life of that child” if they die as a result of abuse. . #akleg pic.twitter.com/0hV4o7AzTY
— Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) February 21, 2023
This isn’t the first time Eastman has come under fire for outlandish and offensive remarks. The state legislature’s position in elected office is also under scrutiny. Former voters filed a lawsuit after the Jan. 6 riots, claiming that Eastman’s past affiliation with the far-right Oath Keepers group made him unfit for public office in Alaska. There were some signs that he might be removed from office in September, but eventually a judge ruled in his favor, allowing him to retain his position in the state legislature. Did.
Rep. Cliff Grow, a Democrat, said he was “concerned” about Mr. Eastman’s series of interrogations, according to the Anchorage Daily News. Even his Republican colleagues aren’t enthusiastic about the statement.
Republican Rep. Sarah Vance, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told the Daily News, “I wish we had a conversation like this because I wanted the audience to ask a little more sensitivity and perception questions. to,” he said. “But he’s there voluntarily, just representing himself.”
