Elizabeth Warren: 'I spoke out about Sessions — until McConnell decided to silence me.'

When Sen. Warren took to the floor to read a letter from Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intervened to selectively enforce a Senate rule meant to maintain civility among members on the Senate floor — not meant to curtail free and open debate about a nominee for Attorney General of the United States.

Watch:

I spoke out about @SenatorSessions – until @SenateMajLdr McConnell decided to silence me. https://t.co/qbty7x0iLl

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 8, 2017

MCCONNELL: Mr. President.

WARREN: They are…

MCCONNELL: Mr. President.

SEN. STEVE DAINES (R-MT): The Majority Leader.

MCCONNELL: The Senator has impugned the motive and conduct of our colleague from Alabama as warned by the Chair. Senator Warren, quote, said Sen. Sessions has used the awesome power of his office to chill the free exercise of the vote by Black citizens. I call the Senator to order under the provisions of Rule 19.

WARREN: Mr. President.

DAINES: The Senator from Massachusetts.

WARREN: Mr. President, I am surprised that the words of Corretta Scott King are not suitable for debate in the United States Senate. I ask leave of the Senate to continue my remarks.

DAINES: Is there objection?

MCCONNELL: I object.

WARREN: I appeal the ruling.

DAINES: Objection is heard. The Senator will take her seat.

WARREN: Mr. President, I appeal the ruling of the Chair and I suggest the absence of quorum.

Sen. Warren may have been unjustly forced to take her seat, but she will not stand down:

I will not be silent about a nominee for AG who has made derogatory & racist comments that have no place in our justice system.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 8, 2017

Read the full letter from Coretta Scott King:

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3259988-Scott-King-1986-Letter-and-Testimony-Signed.html#document/p1