U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) this week called out President Joe Biden for being the first President of the United States to walk a picket line.
Biden on Sept. 26 appeared on the picket line to support the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, which has gone on for 31 days with an estimated economic loss of almost $4 billion, according to an Oct. 16 letter that Sen. Cassidy sent to Biden.
“I am compelled to remind you that you swore an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution, including interstate commerce and the general welfare,” wrote Sen. Cassidy, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The unprecedented action “… demonstrates that not only have you taken a side, but that your comments indicate you have conveniently forgotten the costly federal government bailouts of 2009.”
The lawmaker pointed out that Biden also has thus far not mobilized federal resources to help the negotiating parties reach an agreement, according to his letter.
“Rather than pouring federal resources into failed economic policies and untenable electric vehicle policies, it is time to turn federal resources towards ending the UAW strike,” wrote the senator.
Given the political nature of Biden’s actions, Sen. Cassidy posed several questions he wants Biden to answer, including whether the trip was paid for using official or campaign funds, and if Biden offered to visit the picket line in exchange for a UAW endorsement for his 2024 presidential campaign.
“The UAW has not endorsed your candidacy for reelection,” Sen. Cassidy wrote. “Attempting to curry favor with this constituency by walking the picket line and supporting failed fiscal policies for your reelection disappointingly undermines your credibility.”