Mary Scanlon

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 147, providing for consideration of H.R. 5, the Equality Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 90 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary and one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources and self-executes a manager's amendment from Chairman Grijalva. It also makes in order 29 amendments, provides en bloc authority to Chairman Grijalva, and provides one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate the rule for two critical pieces of legislation, H.R. 5, the Equality Act, and H.R. 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. This is a historic day for Congress and for equal rights. Over 45 years ago, Congresswoman Bella Abzug introduced the first version of the Equality Act, a bill that will provide full legal protections to LGBTQ people all across our country by extending the protections of the Civil Rights Act to them and making clear that we must respect, defend, and celebrate the dignity innate of everyone in our communities, including--and perhaps especially--those who are perceived as different or non-binary. The version of the Equality Act that we consider today is the result of years of careful legislative drafting and amends existing civil rights laws to provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in key areas of public life: employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. Additionally, the Equality Act updates the public spaces and services covered in current law to include retail stores and services, such as banks, legal services, and transportation. These important updates would strengthen existing protections for everyone. The journey to this final version of the Equality Act was led by a dear colleague who is a historymaker in his own right, co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus and my colleague on the Judiciary Committee, Congressman David Cicilline of Rhode Island. Congressman Cicilline worked with lawyers and advocates from the left and the right, religious groups, and a host of civil rights groups to make sure the language of the Equality Act achieved full legal equality while protecting existing civil rights for other marginalized groups. The resulting bill is supported by 130 of the largest employees in the country, our largest labor unions, and the hundreds of organizations including, to name just a few, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP, the National Women's Law Center, the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the United Church of Christ. And, most importantly, it is supported by a clear and overwhelming majority of the American people. Seventy-one percent of Americans support this legislation, including majorities of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. The clear majority of both the House and the American people recognize that for too long LGBTQ people have faced discrimination with no Federal legal recourse. It is beyond dispute that LGBTQ people-- especially transgender people and, even more so, transgender women of color--face discrimination across this country. To echo other speakers, this issue is deeply personal for me. It has been personal since my baby sister came out to me almost 40 years ago. For many people all across this country and across this House, that is when this fight hits home. It gets personal when someone whom you love says: This is who I am. It gets personal when you know and value that person and you want to do whatever you can to make sure that your loved one can live their life to the fullest, free from hate and discrimination. I am sad to say that my home, Pennsylvania, is one of the 30 States that defies the will of its people by not having legal protections for LGBTQ people. The idea that my sister--someone who put her life on the line for our country when she served in our Armed Forces--could drive across State lines and lose protections is heartbreaking. The Equality Act ends the patchwork of State laws and creates uniform, nationwide protections. LGBTQ people won't have to worry that being transferred to another State by their employer or needing to move home to take care of ailing parents will cause them to lose civil rights protections. From sea to shining sea, LGBTQ people will have the security and stability that comes from knowing that, if they face discrimination, they have legal recourse. It is also important to note what the Equality Act does not do. The Equality Act does not impinge on religious freedom. Religious liberty is a cornerstone value of our Constitution and our country. Religious organizations are currently able to prefer their own members and their version of morality in hiring for religious positions, such as ministers and schoolteachers. The Equality Act does nothing to change that. The Equality Act does not force anyone to perform or obtain abortions in violation of their religious beliefs, and it does not strip girls of their title 9 protections. The Equality Act does clarify what has long been held: That religious freedom laws do not create an exemption to civil rights laws. Just like a person can't use a claim of religious freedom to refuse to sell a house to an interracial couple, under the Equality Act LGBTQ families will be protected from discrimination regardless of its motivation. Consider the stakes facing LGBTQ people too often all across this country. A same-sex couple walks into a restaurant. Having hired a babysitter to look after their young children, they are hoping to have a relaxing night out. But, instead, when they are seated and looking at the menu, the manager comes over and tells them that they have to leave. They aren't welcome. This kind of insecurity and humiliation occurs on a daily basis across this country, and in 30 States the couple would have no legal recourse. Often, humiliation is just the tip of the iceberg. Same-sex couples are far more likely to be denied housing; qualified and high- performing transgender people are more likely to be fired from their jobs; and LGBTQ young people face rejection and discrimination in school, which can deny them an education. These injuries compound and lead to poverty, homelessness, and violence. The impact is felt the hardest by transgender women of color, who confront racial discrimination, sex discrimination, and gender identity discrimination. The intersection of these forms of discrimination is all too often deadly. The protections provided by the Equality Act give LGBTQ people an equal chance at the American Dream. While discrimination and rejection has ended the lives of too many transgender people, many are succeeding despite discrimination. We are talking here about the civil rights of our friends, our family, and public servants. In Pennsylvania, Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, served in the Governor's cabinet as Secretary for Health, and has recently been nominated by President Biden to serve as Assistant Health Secretary. Mara Keisling, a Pennsylvania native, is the founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality and a pioneer for civil rights protections. Sarah McBride was recently sworn in as the first transgender Senator in the State of Delaware. And of course, Pete Buttigieg was recently sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, becoming the first openly gay cabinet member to be confirmed by the Senate. Opponents of the Equality Act keep trying to pit cisgender girls against transgender girls, when really this legislation is about strengthening opportunity for all girls and women. Whether it is women's sports, single-sex colleges, or homeless services for women, the Equality Act simply prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in these areas. It doesn't undermine these institutions or prohibit them; it simply ensures that they are inclusive of all women and girls, including trans women and girls. Support for this legislation is overwhelming and deserves an overwhelmingly positive response from this body. I encourage all of my colleagues to support the rule and underlying legislation, and further encourage the Senate to swiftly act to pass this bill so that we can finally provide firm, statutory protections to the LGBTQ community. Next, Mr. Speaker, is H.R. 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. This is a package of public bills from the Natural Resources Committee that will designate more than 1.5 million acres as wilderness areas, and more than 1,200 river miles into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill would also withdraw more than 1.2 million acres of public land from new drilling and mining, ensuring that iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Colorado's Thompson Divide are permanently protected for future generations to enjoy. Few things in the United States are as universally cherished by Americans as are our public lands. Our country is home to more than 111 million acres of designated wilderness, and these lands help us combat climate change, provide for an array of ecological diversity, and offer recreational activities to Americans young and old. As we continue to endure the devastating effects of climate change, providing for millions of additional acres of wilderness will allow for these areas to continue to serve as critical ``carbon sinks'' to capture and mitigate carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. A similar version of this legislation passed the House last Congress, but this version includes a critical new piece from Natural Resources Committee Chairman Grijalva, the Grand Canyon Protection Act. This bill would permanently ban new mining claims on approximately one million acres of public land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park, while helping to protect the clean water resources critical to the livelihoods of local Tribal communities. The Grand Canyon Protection Act was developed by Chairman Grijalva in close consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders in his district and serves to protect one of the most cherished places in the United States. You may hear my colleague from Pennsylvania argue that this bill is nothing but a land grab, an attempt to subvert private industry. Of course, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Mining, like every other industry, is subject to the whim of the free market. Historically, when the demand for these minerals has dropped, mining companies are all too prepared to skip town without cleaning up any of their mess. This bill isn't about whether or not nuclear energy and its inputs will be part of our clean energy future, but if we want to ensure that it is, then I would recommend that we first start by supporting effective regulations on new and existing nuclear plants and their capabilities. The best way to ensure demand for a product is to similarly ensure that its user won't decide it isn't worth pursuing or is unaffordable. The merits of nuclear energy aside, you can't deny that its use in this country is on the downswing or, at the very least, stagnant. This isn't due to over-regulation; it is due to under-regulation. It is due to massive cost overruns and incompetent government oversight. The U.S. has had only one new nuclear reactor become operational in the last 20 years. This isn't because a mining company or two hasn't been afforded the opportunity to desecrate our national resources, but because the U.S. has not yet proven we can responsibly operate a nuclear plant that, from start to finish, is safe and has the trust of the American people. Public lands do not belong to those only in the Congressional district in which they are located; they belong to all of us. Wilderness areas in the great State of Colorado belong to you and me as much as Independence Hall belongs to a native of Colorado. We all have a role to play in protecting these lands and seeking carveouts for mining companies is not the right way forward. I want to especially thank my colleague, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, for her tireless and bipartisan work in getting this legislation to such a great place. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman and my colleague from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Reschenthaler), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today, we are moving forward on two pieces of legislation whose timely consideration is long overdue. And I would note that H.R. 5 did pass last Congress with a bipartisan majority. So we are looking forward, at long last, to passing the Equality Act through both Chambers and removing the burden of discrimination that can move us closer to a country where members of the LGBTQ community have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The Equality Act isn't going to be the end of our long journey toward full LGBTQ equality, but it will bring our laws into line across the country with values that our country was founded upon. We must continually take steps to make our country more perfect. Acknowledging in law the challenges that actually face LGBTQ people and taking concrete action to correct them brings us another step closer. Mr. Speaker, we will pass the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act in order to ensure that the sacred lands that all Americans share equally cannot be tarnished for the benefit of a few. We have a long way to go in addressing the myriad problems facing this country, but the two bills before us today are a strong and necessary start to helping our Nation live up to its full potential. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the previous question. The material previously referred to by Mr. Reschenthaler is as follows: Amendment to House Resolution 147 At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 6. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the House shall resolve into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 682) to encourage local educational agencies to resume in- person instruction at elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit. If the Committee of the Whole rises and reports that it has come to no resolution on the bill, then on the next legislative day the House shall, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration of the bill. Sec. 7. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 682.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just note, as a parent, a former school board member, and education advocate, of course, we all want what is best for our students and what is best for our schools. But I would also suggest that a one-size-fits-all, everybody has to go back in person to schools does not serve anybody well. We have seen around the country--first of all, our schools in Pennsylvania are not closed. They are open. Some are virtual, some are hybrid, some are in person. But each community is doing what it needs to do in response to the conditions that are present at this time. So I agree with my colleague on the Rules Committee that we absolutely need to get our school districts and our State and local governments the money they need to safely reopen schools, and we are looking forward to doing that with our reconciliation bill on Friday. Mr. Speaker, I just inquire whether the gentleman from Pennsylvania is prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I would just note that what we saw in Texas this past week was a truly astonishing, unusual snowstorm with frigid cold conditions that are not normal--as the Speaker knows--in Texas, and that happens because of climate change. Because we haven't done enough to protect our wilderness and to protect our environment, we end up with extreme climate events like we just saw, and this bill is a step toward redressing that imbalance. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I would just restate that this act does not take away any of the religious freedoms that are already enshrined in multiple laws. It does not change those laws. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Oregon.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I would just note for the record that over 20 States already have versions of this law, the Equality Act, with respect to participation in sports, as do the Olympics, and we have not seen the kind of behavior that has just been suggested. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 147 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, as we emerge from the darkest months of the COVID-19 pandemic and some pretty brutal weather, I rise today to offer some good news and to celebrate a development that is bringing jobs and economic development to my district, along with a renewed connection to our shared heritage with the island of Ireland. Since the founding of our country, the Philadelphia region has been known for some of the best ports and shipyards in America. Also since that time, our area has been home to one of the largest groups of native Irish and their descendants in North America. Fully 20 percent of the people in my congressional district claim Irish heritage, including myself. Over the years, this robust community has developed strong relationships with Irish educational, cultural, and business institutions, including through the Irish American Business Chamber & Network. Therefore, I am very proud and excited to celebrate the new weekly shipping route between the Port of Chester in Delaware County and Cork, Ireland, which will expand our region's leadership as an entryway to America. In addition to bringing critical medical, pharmaceutical, food, and raw material supplies to the East Coast, the shipping route is supporting good-paying jobs and a long-hoped-for renaissance in Chester's riverfront economy, which can be an economic driver for our entire region. I am excited to continue working with my colleagues in the Friends of Ireland Caucus and to increase our ties with Ireland, grow our economy, and create good-paying jobs.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for arranging this really important Special Order hour. Every day, we are so grateful for the hard work and support of our congressional staff. Many of them are young enough to be my children, but they serve Congress and our country with brilliance and honor every single day. This evening, I want to read a letter signed by nearly 400 congressional staffers to their Senators because they don't often have a voice on this floor, but their words are so raw and so heart- wrenching. Here is their letter, titled ``An Open Letter to Members of the U.S. Senate.'' ``We are staff who work for Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is our honor and privilege to serve our country and our fellow Americans. We write this letter to share our own views and experiences, not the views of our employers. But on January 6, 2021, our workplace was attacked by a violent mob trying to stop the electoral college vote count. That mob was incited by former President Donald J. Trump and his political allies, some of whom we pass every day in the hallways at work. ``Many of us attended school in the post-Columbine era and were trained to respond to active shooter situations in our classrooms. As the mob smashed through Capitol Police barricades, broke doors and windows, and charged into the Capitol with body armor and weapons, many of us hid behind chairs and under desks or barricaded ourselves in offices. Others watched on TV and frantically tried to reach our bosses and colleagues as they fled for their lives. ``On January 6, the former President broke America's 230-year legacy of the peaceful transition of power when he incited a mob to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes. Six people died. A Capitol Police officer--one of our coworkers who guards and greets us every day--was beaten to death. The attack on our workplace was inspired by lies told by the former President and others about the results of the election in a baseless, monthslong effort to reject votes lawfully cast by the American people. ``Our Constitution only works when we believe in it and defend it. It is a shared commitment to equal justice, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of our differences. Any person who doesn't share these beliefs has no place representing the American people, now or in the future. The use of violence and lies to overturn an election is not worthy of debate. Either you stand with the Republic or against it. ``As congressional employees, we don't have a vote on whether to convict Donald J. Trump for his role in inciting the violent attack at the Capitol, but our Senators do. And for our sake, and the sake of the country, we ask that they vote to convict the former President and bar him from ever holding office again.'' It is signed by nearly 400 congressional staff. Madam Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record their letter and their signatures. An Open Letter to Members of the U.S. Senate: We are staff who work for members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is our honor and privilege to serve our country and our fellow Americans. We write this letter to share our own views and experiences, not the views of our employers. But on January 6, 2021, our workplace was attacked by a violent mob trying to stop the electoral college vote count. That mob was incited by former president Donald J. Trump and his political allies, some of whom we pass every day in the hallways at work. Many of us attended school in the post-Columbine era and were trained to respond to active shooter situations in our classrooms. As the mob smashed through Capitol Police barricades, broke doors and windows, and charged into the Capitol with body armor and weapons, many of us hid behind chairs and under desks or barricaded ourselves in offices. Others watched on TV and frantically tried to reach bosses and colleagues as they fled for their lives. On January 6, the former President broke America's 230-year legacy of the peaceful transition of power when he incited a mob to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes. Six people died. A Capitol Police officer--one of our co-workers who guards and greets us every day--was beaten to death. The attack on our workplace was inspired by lies told by the former president and others about the results of the election in a baseless, months-long effort to reject votes lawfully cast by the American people. Our Constitution only works when we believe in it and defend it. It's a shared commitment to equal justice, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of our differences. Any person who doesn't share these beliefs has no place representing the American people, now or in the future. The use of violence and lies to overturn an election is not worthy of debate. Either you stand with the republic or against it. As Congressional employees, we don't have a vote on whether to convict Donald J. Trump for his role in inciting the violent attack at the Capitol, but our Senators do. And for our sake, and the sake of the country, we ask that they vote to convict the former president and bar him from ever holding office again. Signed, Aaron Fritschner, Abigail Hewins, Adam Comis, Adam Veale, Alex Guajardo, Alex Karabatsos, Alex Marston, Alex Molina, Alexa Marquez, Alexa Sledge, Alexander Gristina, Alexandra Schnelle, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, Alexis C. MacDonald, Alisa La, Allan Rodriguez, Allison Blankenship, Allison Lukas, Aly DeWills-Marcano, Alyssa Mendez. Amanda J. Quesada, Amand Yanchury, Amy Fischer, Amy Kuhn, Amy Soenksen, Andi McIver, Andre Earls, Andrea N. Goldstein, Andrew Goddeeris, Andrew Myslik, Andrew Noh, Aneeb Sheikh, Angele Russell, Angelica Duque, Angie Wells, Anissa Z. Caldwell, Anne Feldman, Anne Wick, Annetta Joyce, Annmarie Goyzueta. Anthony Barnes, Anthony Lemma, Anuj Gupta, Aria Kovalovich, Artin Haghshenas, Asha Samuel, Ashlee Wilkins, Avery Bonifati, Barbara Hamlett, Beatrix M. Dalton, Ben Kamens, Ben Rutan, Ben Turner, Benito Torres Jr., Benjamin Bernier, Brad Korten, Brandon Garay, Brandon Mendoza, Brendan Greenlee, Bridget Hogan. Brigid Campbell, Brittan Robinson, Bryce Causey, Caleigh Lynch, Carianne Lee, Carlos Murillo Villasenor, Carmen Palumbo, Caroline Ramos, Carolyn Olortegui, Cassie Winters, Caty Payette, Cesar Solis, Chandler Mason, Chelsea Alatriste Martinez, Chelsea Rivas, Chloe Kessock, Chris Gibson, Chris McCarthy, Christian Seasholtz, Christopher Nguyen. Cindy M. Buhl, Cindy Matos Beltre, Clarissa Rojas, Cole A. Baker, Colin Pio, Collin Davenport, Connor McNutt, Connor Vargo, Cori Duggins, Corinne Paul, Courtney Callejas, Courtney Hruska, Courtney Rogers, Cyre Velez, Dan Riffle, Dana Hanson, Daniel Gleick, Daniel Holt, Daniel Maher, Daniela Contreras. Daniela Valles, Danielle Fulfs, David Lucas, David Sanchez, David Todisco, Dayanara Ramirez, Denzel McCampbell, Dr. Heather O'Beirne Kelly, Drew Hammill, Eddie Meyer, Eduardo N. Lerma, Jr., Edwin Sevilla, Eleanor Trenary, Elena Radding, Elizabeth Austin-Mackenzie, Elizabeth Kulig, Eloise Melcher, Elyse Schupak, Emily Amador, Emily Lande-Rose. Emily Loya, Emily Morrison, Emma Norman, Emma Zafran, Erin Melody, Eva Naomi Gutierrez, Evan Brooks, Evan P. Dale, Fabiola Pagan Melendez, Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampol, Frederick Castro, Gabby Richards, Gail Chaney Kalinich, George ``Stephen'' Williams, Jr., George Flynn, Grace Rubinger, Greg Claus, Griffin M. Anderson, Hannah Ceja. Hannah Melissa Borja, Hannah Weinerman, Harsh Deshmukh, Heather Boyd, Hector Colon, Helen Beaudreau, Humberto Ramos, Hussain Altamimi, Jack Gebbia, Jack Stelzner, Jacqueline A. Sanchez, Jae'Von McClain, Jaime Cobham, Jaimee Gilmartin, Jamari Torrence, James E. McFeely, Jamie Smith, Jason Nerad, Jason Tufele Carl Johnson, Jed Ober. Jen Fox, Jenna Jaffe, Jennifer Chandler, Jeren Totten, Jermaine Simmons, Jesse Malowitz, Jessica Andino, Jessica Hernandez, Jessica Mulligan, Jessica Pedroza, Jessica Valdez, Jessie Durrett, Jill Hirsch, Johana Mata, John Chapa Gorczynski, John Swords, Johnathan Garza, Joicelynne Jackson, Jona Koka, Jonathan Nwaru. Jordan Dashow, Joseph Valente, Joy A. Hamer, Juan Romero- Casillas, Julia Kravitz, Julian Gerson, Julie Jochem, Justin McCartney, K'Yetta McKinney, Kaozouapa E. Lee, Kat Cosgrove, Kate Brescia, Kate Stotesbery, Katharine Nasielski, Katie Worley, Katrina Martell, Kelli Scott, Kelsey Smith, Kendra Wood, Kenneth Russell DeGraff. Kevin Figueroa, Kevin ONeil, Kevin Vargas, Kiara Tringali, Kichelle Webster, Kimberly Stanton, Kimiko Hirota, Kira Floersheim, Koray Rosati, Kory Haywood, Kristi Black, Kristin Kopshever, Kristina Broadie Jeter, Kurtis Miller, Kyle McKenney, Lana Abbasi, Lana Westfall Marro, Lanette Garcia, Larissa Richardson, Laura Brantley. Laura Ellen Schock, Laura Forero, Lauren Pauley, Lauren Covington, Lauren Geiser, Lauren Linsmayer, Lauren Meininger, LaVontae Brooks, Leslie Merrill, Leslie Zwicker, Liam McCaffery, Libby Wiet, Lillian Adelstein, Lily Fitzpatrick, Lisa Pahel, Lisa Tencer, Lucia Rodriguez, Luis Zegarra, Maggie Harden, Malcolm Yates. Mara Kelly, Maria Camila Gomez Osorio, Maria Di Leone, Maria Martirosyan, Maria Robayo, Mariam Jalloul, Marilyn Dillihay, Mark A. Hinson, Marlon Dubuisson, Maru Vazquez, Matt Corridoni, Matt DeFreitas, Matt Jansen, Matt Sonneborn, Matthew A. Ceja, Matthew Bonaccorsi, Matthew E. Fried, Matthew Holcombe. Matthew Morgan, Matthew Steil, Maureen Acero, Max Frankel, Maytham Alshadood, Meaghan Johnson, Melanee Farrah, Mia Robertson, Michael Harris, Michael Lawson, Michele Lockman, Michelle Sanchez, Mike Lucier, Mike Shanahan, Moh Sharma, Molly Cole, Mustafa Alemi, Natalie C. Adams, Nawaid Ladak, Nick Burroughs. Nicolas Ballon, Noah Simon, Numa St. Louis, Olga Avant- Mier, Oliver Edelson, Olivia Byrd, Pam Trinward, Patrick Carroll, Patrick Koetzle, Paula Mckinney-Rainey, Philip Bennett, Pierre Whatley, Pilar Lugo, Priyanka Hooghan, Quinton Johnson, Rachel Dembo, Rachel Montoya, Raman Khanna, Randy Love, Rebecca Eichmann. Rebecca R. Kelly, Rebekah Eskandani, Reecha Patel, Remmington F. Belford, Rex Dyer, Ricardo Martinez, Rita L. Waters, Robert M. Gottheim, Robert Montgomery, Rona Sayed, Rosario Duran, Ryan A. Washington, Ryan Early, Ryan Morgan, Rylee Stirn, Saira Bhatti, Sammi Goldsmith, Samuel R. Spencer IV, Sara Barber. Sara Guerrero, Sara Palasits, Sarah Dean, Sarah Mulero, Scott Balough, Scott Heppard, Scott R. Nelson, Ph.D., Serena Li, Shadawn Reddick-Smith, Shalini Gagliardi, Sharon Eliza Nichols, Shawn M. Meredith, Sonia C. Norton, Sool Abdirahman, Stephany Ospino, Stuart Styron, Sullivan Gassmann, T. Scott Harris, Talia Marcus, Tamara P. Zapata. Tara Jordan, Tara Rountree, Tendrina Alexandre, Thelma Teresa Carrera, Theodore Steinberg, Thomas J. Story, Todd Stein, Tommy Brown, Toni Dunbar, Udit Thakur, Victoria Bonney, Victoria Graham, Victoria Oms, Wendy Ginsberg, Whitley O'Neal, Will Barrett, William (Billy) Hennessy, Xiao Shan Susan Liu, Yael Velvel, Yazmin Mehdi, Yonathan Teclu, Zac Mitchiner, Zach Cafritz, Zach Fisch, Zoe Bluffstone.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Youth Mentoring Month, which we celebrate in January. Established in 2002, Youth Mentoring Month celebrates the powerful impact of mentoring relationships and raises awareness about the need for more caring adults to become mentors in their communities. In 2006, I created a career development and mentorship program at Constitution High School in Philadelphia and, throughout the years, I have served as a mentor many times over. We often talk about mentoring in terms of the benefits to young people, but what surprises so many people about mentoring is the emotional satisfaction and benefits to the mentor. Whether it be through a classroom, an arts program, or a local youth sports team, mentors provide young people with the guidance and encouragement they need to find success and reach their full potential. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Youth Mentoring Caucus with Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler, I look forward to celebrating and promoting mentoring programs across our country.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I, too, have to agree with the ranking member of the Rules Committee that this does raise serious questions for our institution and assure him that this is not a move taken lightly, but our colleagues have left us no choice. Historically, the parties have policed themselves. Even as recently as 2 years ago, our Republican colleagues removed a Member from committees after he made a series of false and despicable statements, which were less serious than the conduct we consider here. But, apparently, that was the old GOP. In the words of Republican Senator John Thune from South Dakota, the party of ``limited government and fiscal responsibility, free markets, peace through strength'' has become the ``party of conspiracy theories and QAnon.'' No matter how much our colleagues here today say that they disapprove of the conduct of the Representative from Georgia, they must realize that she is now the face of their party. If today's House Republican caucus wants to embrace this behavior, the majority does not. The Member in question has advocated for insurrection and violence against elected officials and children, has challenged the safety of Members and our Capitol Police, and has promoted fringe conspiracy theories that damage our work. Such behavior would not be tolerated in any other workplace, and it cannot be tolerated in the people's House. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle know this. While they have been careful to distance themselves from their Member's remarks and actions, they have not shown the courage to hold a Member of their own party accountable when they don't have the shield of a secret vote. They force us to take this action to stop the spread of conspiracy theories, lies, and hate in the Halls of Congress. This isn't canceling the Representative from Georgia's voice. It is about accountability. There is no right to committee assignments, but if a Member conducts himself or herself in so disgraceful a way that she brings discredit upon Congress, and her own party cannot address the problem, then the House, as a whole, has to deal with it. I urge my colleagues to recognize what the public has recognized in a bipartisan manner, that the indecent behavior of this Member is a threat to Congress and our government.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, on January 6, President Trump launched an attack against the United States Capitol. I, too, urge my colleagues to unite, but to unite in love of country, and to hold this President accountable. What unites our country is respect for the rule of law. Without accountability for those who would shatter the rule of law by overturning a Presidential election, we cannot take seriously the cries of being a united people. This President remains a serious threat to our country and he must be held accountable.

Ms. SCANLON

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, today the Rules Committee met and reported a closed rule, House Resolution 38, providing for consideration of House Resolution 21, calling on Vice President Michael R. Pence to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald J. Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as acting President. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary or a designee. The rule self-executes a manager's amendment by Chairman Nadler. The rule provides that the prohibition against engaging in personalities during debate, with respect to references to the President, shall not apply during consideration of House Resolution 21 or any special order of business relating to the impeachment of the President considered on January 13, 2021. Finally, the rule authorizes and directs the Sergeant at Arms to impose a fine against a Member, Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner for the failure to wear a mask in contravention of the Speaker's announced policy on this subject for the duration of the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate the rule for House Resolution 21, a resolution calling for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and declare President Donald Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office. We take this action solemnly and with grave concern for the safety and security of our Nation and its people, even in the final days of this President's administration. Last Wednesday, a lawless mob breached this Chamber with the most evil and destructive intent. They were here to take the law into their own hands, to disrupt Congress as it counted the electoral college votes, and to overturn the lawful election of Joseph Biden as our 46th President. As violent invaders broke windows and rammed doors, they chanted that they wanted to hang the Vice President and kidnap the Speaker of the House, and they brought the tools to do it. They beat one police officer to death, tased others, and tried to shoot one with his own gun. Another officer will likely lose an eye. Scores of others suffered head injuries when they were beaten with pipes. Blood was spilled on the marble floor just outside this room. Members, staff, and reporters were forced to take cover under furniture and barricade themselves in rooms, clutching gas masks and fearing for their lives as the President's MAGA supporters chanted and raged nearby. Journalists were specifically targeted and beaten. Explosive devices were placed nearby to divert the police from protecting the Capitol. This was not a peaceful protest. These were crimes against our country and the people who go to work every day on Capitol Hill. Just this afternoon, the FBI announced that it expects to charge hundreds of people with crimes ranging from simple trespass to conspiracy and sedition, to weapons offenses, to felony murder. Crimes like this do not occur in a vacuum. They must be planned. They must be led. The attack on the Capitol was incited by this administration. For months, they told their supporters that if they didn't win the election, the election was rigged. When the majority of American voters decided they had had enough of this chaos, they declared that the election had been stolen. The administration invited the President's most rabid supporters to come to D.C. on January 6 for a wild protest. Then the administration whipped them into a frenzy and sent the mob across town to attack the Capitol and disrupt the counting of electoral college votes. But it didn't end there. The President reportedly watched with excitement as the news media began streaming images of the terror at the Capitol through electronic devices in America and around the world. The President tweeted that the Vice President had betrayed him. And even after the violence was apparent, the President and his lawyer placed calls to allies on Capitol Hill, trying to persuade them to prolong their objections to the counting of the electoral votes. What the administration didn't do for hours was to lift a finger to call off the mob or to rally support to defend the government, the historic monuments in the Capitol, the police, or especially the people under siege in the building. Members here in this Chamber know that, for hours, the President refused to return their calls begging for help. Mr. Speaker, in the days since, the administration has continued to claim that the election was rigged. It has denied any responsibility for the riot, and praised the rioters, all while reports proliferate that the administration's supporters are planning more violence in the weeks ahead. This is why this President remains a clear and present danger to the country, so long as he continues to serve. The reality is that we all-- even the most loyal political supporters--know that this President is unfit for office. Any other President with an ounce of character would have resigned after seeing the bloody consequences of the actions on Wednesday. Any other administration would have invoked the 25th Amendment long ago. I don't care if a President incites a riot against Congress on his first day or the last day of his or her Presidency. Such an act is a crime against our government, much less against the people who are terrorized or killed in the attack. If a President can refuse to acknowledge the will of American voters, then incite a coup to stay in power without punishment, then our democracy is lost. Mr. Speaker, that is why it is vital for Vice President Pence and the Cabinet to do the right thing--to invoke the 25th Amendment. Otherwise, this Congress must remove Donald Trump from office. I have heard the calls for unity, and I agree that now is the time to come forward in unity, to defend our country, not to defend a man who has proven himself incompetent to occupy the office of the President for another day. I am grateful to those Members of the Republican Party who agreed that the time has come to put loyalty to country above partisan considerations. And we welcome their support in taking whatever actions are necessary to end this chaos, to defend our government, and to protect the American people. I also find the cries of partisanship by the President's remaining supporters to be unconvincing. The whole world watched in horror on January 6 as the administration encouraged a mob to attack the seat of our democracy to disrupt the election of Joseph R. Biden and then stood by as rioters sacked the Capitol. Many civic leaders from both parties have condemned the President's actions and called for his removal. So, no, this is not partisan. But I invite the President's supporters in Congress--no, I beg them-- to join the American people in holding this President accountable for the violence we experienced last week and to prevent further chaos in the days to come. Before I conclude, I want to take a minute to give my deepest condolences to the families of the Capitol Police officers who died as a result of this attack. I want to thank the men and women of the Metropolitan and Capitol Police forces who valiantly defended both our democracy and the people who work on the Hill and wish a speedy recovery to the scores who were injured during the attack. I also want to thank our tireless facilities and custodial staff for putting the building back together after terrorists violated it and the members of the press corps who have been so abused by this administration and were specifically targeted by this mob but continued documenting the attack so Americans could see what was really happening. Lastly, I want to thank our staff across the Capitol for their bravery and dedication to public service. I want to thank them for the work they do every day but especially for their heroism in returning to the floor last Wednesday night to help us continue the electoral college vote count, and I thank them for being back here with us today. We are indebted to them for their service to our country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, after the chaos and potentially--well, definitely criminal behavior that we saw here last week, there is no trust left between this administration and the majority of the American people. The stability of our executive branch is a foundational piece of our democracy. This administration has failed or refused to uphold the most basic duties of protecting our Constitution and our national security or of respecting the coequal branches of our government. Wednesday's bloody attack proved that this administration is an imminent and continuing danger to our country even in the waning days of this Presidency. I am heartbroken for our country but more determined than ever to fight to preserve our democracy. Mr. Speaker, I call on Vice President Pence and the Cabinet to do the right thing. I call upon our colleagues to do the right thing: to put our country before the interests of any one man and to join us in ending this failed Presidency. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation.

Ms. SCANLON. Just to clarify, this provision about suspending the rule about personalities is so that we can have a full and frank discussion of just why the request is being made to invoke the 25th Amendment and just why this President should be impeached. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to describe the high crimes and misdemeanors and other misconduct which forms the basis of those requests if that rule were not suspended. As I mentioned in my opening, we don't view this as a partisan resolution. We have Members from all sides of the political spectrum now calling for the removal of this President. Members might want to check their news feed to see the growing list of civic, business, and religious leaders from across the country who have said: Enough is enough. This President is a clear and present danger. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCANLON. I would just suggest that sedition is inherently divisive, and it is difficult to unify before there has been accountability. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi).

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I would inquire if the gentleman has any more speakers.

Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 38 and ask for its immediate consideration.