John,

The distinguished, accomplished, revered Librarian of Congress was abruptly dismissed by Donald Trump without warning and without cause.

Dr. Carla Hayden stepped in at a critical time to provide leadership and direction for the Library of Congress, the largest collection of information in the history of the world. She has the confidence of political leaders in both parties who've worked with her on plans to modernize the Library, digitize collections, and to make it a more welcoming space for the public to use.

One of my proudest accomplishments in my congressional career was as founder and first chair of the Library of Congress caucus which provided support for this critical American institution.

Dr. Hayden has had a distinguished career showing innovative leadership of libraries beginning in Chicago through her last assignment heading the library in Baltimore. In that capacity, she distinguished herself during riots there by fighting to protect the library in the face of senseless violence elsewhere in the city, she stood tall in protecting the library in a time of potential danger. It was just another chapter in her extraordinary career and why she was universally acclaimed when appointed as Librarian of Congress

Her firing by Trump administration lackeys marks a new low in Donald Trump's assault on precious, treasured institutions, and it should be universally condemned. I am proud that this latest outrage has been widely criticized by congressional leaders of both parties.

Courage,

Earl