E14 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 6, 2021 suppress or steal any election should be in- dened to see many of my colleagues continue CONCERNS ABOUT THE CERTIFI- vestigated and prosecuted. to peddle these lies and falsehoods instead of CATION OF THE ELECTORAL Even if the nefarious activity was minor— supporting the peaceful transition of power en- COLLEGE VOTE and not likely to alter the outcome of an elec- shrined in our Constitution. tion—individuals who engage in such acts Our elections are among the safest and HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS should be held accountable in a court of law. most transparent in the world. For that, I want OF TENNESSEE Noone has a license to cheat. to thank the tens of thousands of Americans IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sixteen years ago, some Democratic mem- who work to secure our elections each and Wednesday, January 6, 2021 bers of the Senate and House tried to overturn every year, including Colorado’s elections offi- Mr. DESJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to the results of the Bush-Kerry Presidential elec- cials and workers who continue to exemplify a voice my concerns about the certification of tion. They failed. When counting the electoral successful mail-in voting system and workers votes on January 6, 2005, I voted ‘‘no’’ on the the Electoral College vote. for Dominion Voting Systems based in Colo- First, I think it is imperative to highlight the objection to accepting Ohio’s electors— rado. Unfortunately, due to these baseless at- enough to reverse the outcome of the elec- importance of how our nation’s elections are tacks on the election results, many of these conducted. I have received many calls, emails, tion—sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Tubbs election workers have been threatened and in- letters, and I have spoken to many of my con- Jones (D–Oh) because the allegations lacked timidated. Yet these poll workers did their duty stituents who are concerned about the irreg- both merit and proof. Only 31 Members of the and counted the votes, shepherding and over- ularities in the 2020 election cycle. House voted in favor of the election changing seeing one of the most fundamental and inte- Today, I have many concerns about our objection. gral pillars of our democracy—free, fair and most recent election, but my objection is fo- Congress, states and local governments open elections. cused on one primary constitutional question need to undertake a top-to-bottom review of Today, Congress resolves to complete our around changes to election laws made by election law and administrative polices to en- work in Joint Session to formally receive the state officials without the approval of their sure that elections are free and fair. votes of the Electors, which have not been state legislatures. This is, of course, a legal The future of our Nation depends on it. disputed by any state. Our job is not to over- question, concerning the constitutionality of Finally, I unequivocally condemn the assault turn the will of the voters or the states, it is last-minute election law changes made by ex- on the Capitol today. And those who com- simply to certify their decision on who will be ecutive orders without the approval of the mitted violence, vandalism and other crimes the next President and Vice President of the state legislatures. Article II, Section 1 includes should be prosecuted to the greatest extent of United States. I urge all my colleagues to re- the ‘‘Electors Clause,’’ stating: the law. ject these frivolous and dangerous objections Each State shall appoint, in such Manner Special thanks to the Capitol Police and all to the vote of the Electoral College and join as the Legislature thereof may direct, a law enforcement for their brave and decisive with the country in supporting the peaceful Number of Electors, equal to the whole Num- actions to mitigate and then end today’s crisis. transition of power. It’s time to get back to the ber of Senators and Representatives to which Despite its many flaws, the U.S. Congress business of the people and of the country as the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person continues to be an extraordinary marketplace we build a better future. of ideas and differing opinions. holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. The enactment of wise public policy to ben- f efit all Americans requires robust dialogue and There is no question that changes in state debate—and genuine respect for one another CONGRATULATING SUMMIT COUN- election laws were made by executive orders especially when there is fundamental dis- TY COMMISSIONER KARN without legislative approval (usually under the agreement. STIEGELMEIER ON HER RETIRE- guise of COVID) to allow for ballots to be al- We must be committed to zero-tolerance to- MENT lowed after deadlines had passed and mail-ins wards violence in any form. and absentees to be allowed under far more liberal circumstances which created an envi- f HON. JOE NEGUSE ronment that allowed ‘‘vote harvesting’’ and OBJECTION TO ELECTORAL OF COLORADO thousands of ballots to be counted days and COLLEGE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES weeks after the election—without the requisite standards of verification that we should expect Wednesday, January 6, 2021 HON. ED PERLMUTTER for a secure election. Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I wish It is a valid constitutional question and I OF COLORADO to recognize and honor the work of retiring note a recent observation by Justice Gorsuch IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Summit County Commissioner Karn in an unrelated recently decided case between Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Stiegelmeier. Karn has continuously devoted the Brooklyn diocese and Governor Andrew Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I am much of her time and energy to maintaining Cuomo in New York on unlawful forced shut- filled with sadness and anger following the at- our beautiful public lands and environment in downs: tack on the U.S. Capitol today. It is the result Summit County, Colorado—a community I am ‘‘Government is not free to disregard the of a fever that has been building for weeks, so proud to represent. Prior to serving as a [Constitution] in times of crisis. . . . Yet re- County Commissioner, she worked for the Na- cently, during the COVID pandemic, certain months and years and which has only been States seem to have ignored these long-set- further incited by President Trump. Today is a tional Forest Service and National Park Serv- tled principles.’’ ice, where she served in the crucial roles of point of inflection and reflection, and we need All of these issues are just some of the con- wildland firefighter and park ranger, and also to say enough. This only strengthens our re- cerns and questions regarding the 2020 elec- taught students in Summit County. solve to get the Electoral Votes counted and tion and were not limited to these three states. certified and continue with a peaceful transi- During her time as a Summit County Com- Many other concerns of voting irregularities tion of power, as has been a hallmark of our missioner, Karn continued to advocate for the have been reported across the country includ- nation. protection of our environment and was fiercely ing fraud and government officials changing The vote was decisive. Despite the ongoing determined to preserve the precious quality of state laws without legislature approval. pandemic, we saw a historic 158 million Amer- life we enjoy in Colorado. She also continu- These are serious concerns and allegations. icans vote. Joe Biden and KAMALA HARRIS ously advocated for forest health and wildfire It should be the state legislatures, and not won 306 votes in the Electoral College after prevention, both of which have helped Colo- government officials or judges, making earning the support of more than 81 million rado’s Second Congressional District in incal- changes to election laws. Americans. After 60 failed lawsuits and doz- culable ways. The timing of these election law changes is ens of recounts, there is not one shred of evi- She has truly shown an incredible deter- also problematic. In some states, changes dence of major fraud in this election. Yet ever mination to better her community, and I thank were made to state election laws during the since Joe Biden and KAMALA HARRIS won this her for her many years of service as County year of the election. These last-minute election, there has been a concerted effort to Commissioner. I am grateful for all the work changes only allow for confusion and chaos, overturn the will of the voters. These objec- Karn has done during her time as a Summit as we have seen since November 2020. tions are unfounded, absurd and dangerous. County Commissioner and wish her a restful From a global pandemic to one of the most They are contrary to 60 courts which denied and well-deserved retirement from public serv- consequential Presidential elections in our life- claims of fraud or vote improprieties. I am sad- ice. times, 2020 was a year of many unknowns.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:40 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06JA8.017 E06JAPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E15 What should not be an unknown are the rules and limitations is a solution in search of unlawfully subverted. This is an unconstitu- laws and rules states have on implementing a problem and is unnecessary to conduct a tional act. our elections. However, the actions by many fair election in this country. We need a defined For these reasons, I will object to certifi- state officials and judges, along with improper in-person voting process that includes early cation of the Electoral College. voting activities, have allowed the 2020 Presi- voting. We need voter ID requirements. We f dential election to be called into question. need a limited mail in ballot process that al- SUPPORTING THE 2020 ELECTORAL It is because of these questions and irreg- lows for absentee votes for military personnel COLLEGE OBJECTIONS ularities, that I object to today’s certification serving overseas or away from their homes, process and today, our challenge asks for a people traveling abroad for extended periods, simple remedy—an appointment of an elec- and those that have serious health issues that HON. BOB GOOD toral commission that can hear the claims of would legitimately keep them from being able OF VIRGINIA election irregularities, review the evidence, to make it to the polls. Beyond that, people IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and decide as to what the facts are and should take a brief moment out of their lives Wednesday, January 6, 2021 whether or not election laws were followed. I to show up and make an informed vote for the Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Madam Speaker, do not believe that to be an unreasonable de- candidates and issues on the ballot. first, I want to thank the incredible men and mand. Since the disputed Presidential election in women serving as U.S. Capitol Police for their I am proud to represent the state of Ten- 2000, this nation has spent billions upon bil- dedicated efforts to keep everyone safe and to nessee—a state that gets the election process lions of dollars for updated machines and secure our Capitol. done right and should be a role model for the processes, and 20 years later we are arguably On January 3rd I took an oath to uphold nation. In addition to our open Election Day in a worse position in terms of having a trans- and defend the Constitution. The lawlessness procedures, Tennessee provides a generous parent process. There is no reason—NONE— that broke down our Capitol doors today is a early voting process of 2 weeks in order for that we can’t have a procedure in this day and reminder of just how sacred our duty is to up- people to choose a day and time convenient time to have almost all votes accounted for on hold the rule of law. I want to extend my to their schedule. In unique circumstances, Election Day. thanks to my colleagues who join me in con- there are also a number of statutory reasons We cannot keep conducting our elections in tinuing the constitutional duties of Congress where a citizen can request a mail-in or ab- a way that does not provide surety and con- and having this debate tonight with civility and sentee ballot by mail and have their votes fidence in its results. We need uniform proc- without fear. counted as well. esses for our federal elections, and we need Tonight is about more than the 2020 presi- It is a process that works and is fair and eq- laws in place to ensure that all legal voters are dential election; it is about all future elections, uitable to everyone in the state. It is not unfair, given their constitutionally protected rights to and Congress doing its constitutional duty to it does not suppress voting, and it provides an participate in civic engagement, but not ensure election integrity, and not accept elec- orderly, secure method for conducting elec- through a process in which votes are gathered toral votes from states with sufficient evidence tions and counting votes in a timely fashion. and harvested without their participation in the of fraud that has not been fully investigated, Everyone has the ability to do their civic duty process. Tennesseans demand this fair proc- and whose state legislators did not ensure the with a minimum amount of effort—no drama, ess, and I will always fight for it. law was followed or ensure the integrity of no long lines and waits, and a process that is f their elections. free and fair to all candidates. Votes are tab- This challenge is not uncharted territory or a ulated, and results are provided in a timely ELECTION IRREGULARITIES new exercise, as Democrats have objected on fashion on election night. It’s not complicated, CANNOT BE IGNORED this floor to every recent presidential victory by we have done this for many election cycles Republicans, most recently challenging the now, and we did not change our procedures HON. JOE WILSON electoral votes for 10 states following the 2016 on the fly in 2020. OF SOUTH CAROLINA presidential election, with their primary jus- We are very fortunate to do things the right IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tification being the phony Russian collusion way in Tennessee and we did once again in charges. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 2020. Sadly, there were a few states that got What is unprecedented about this presi- it wrong and call into question the integrity of Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam dential election is first, the number of people the Presidential election. It is ridiculous and Speaker, I rise to support the objection. Peo- who believe the election was stolen, second, unacceptable in the 21st Century that other ple across the United States are rightfully con- the amount of evidence that indicates fraud states have processes that lead to a situation cerned about the mishandling of their votes and other violations of election law that has where it took weeks to have votes tabulated, and irregularities in the 2020 federal election. not been investigated, and third, the number vote totals remaining uncertain, and the num- I share this concern given the incredible irreg- of members who are objecting to some of the bers of uncounted votes being uncertain for ularities, additionally because the Constitution electoral votes, a number not seen since days—and weeks—after Election Day. provides that election laws are the sole juris- 1876—or 144 years. I respectfully and vigorously disagree with diction of state legislators which must be The 2005 bipartisan commission headed by people who suggest that the processes that maintained, and not to be changed by obscure Jimmy Carter and James Baker warned of this were opened and expanded in 2020 in many unilateral and judicial abuse with unfounded type of widespread voter fraud through illegal states are not subject to fraud and abuse— defiance of state laws. As a nation of laws, vi- aliens voting, not requiring identification under these new standards ballots are mailed olence must never be excused by any one for verification, and mass voting by mail. These three issues clearly facilitate the on behalf of people, ballots are sent to the any reason. As a former Lexington County Election compromise of election integrity. wrong addresses, and ballot harvesting is en- Yet, there have not been any evidentiary Commissioner, not just as a Member of Con- couraged. And again, one of the biggest prob- hearings to even consider these allegations of gress, I am disgusted at the irregularities in lems with mail-in ballots is managing this proc- voter fraud. ess in a way that allows votes to be counted the 2020 presidential election. The failure to Georgia is one of the most egregious exam- and winners to be determined in a timely fash- validate signatures, the omission of witnesses, ples of violations of legal election procedures ion. It should not take weeks to determine a the interruption of counting before completion, to the degree that it almost certainly deter- winner in state and federal races, and the the denial of poll watchers for access to fully mined the outcome of the election allegedly prospects of all future Presidential elections observe, the extension of ballots received be- decided by a mere 12,000 votes. being undecided for weeks on end leads to yond Election Day, and the registration of ille- The legislators in Georgia failed to protect uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the re- gal aliens, allowing non-citizens to vote, are all and ensure the integrity of their election. sults and the fairness of the process. an open invitation for fraud. I had counted on We, the Congress, are the forum for the It is absurd. Even if you accept that every- courts to fully consider lawsuits by 18 states voices of the American people. It is our re- thing is above board, no one should sit here and 126 members of Congress, but the Courts sponsibility to evaluate the validity of these and say that this process doesn’t stink. Elec- have declined to act. electoral votes and to either accept them as tion reform is needed and the mail-in process In four states, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsyl- legitimately cast or reject them as question- will always be vulnerable to delays and the vania, and Wisconsin, the authority of the able or unreliable. suggestion that foul play is involved—espe- state legislatures to enact election rules and It is my judgment that the electoral votes cially with the evidence being presented. procedures, which is delegated by Article II, submitted by the state of Georgia are unreli- Widespread mail in balloting with undefined Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution was able and therefore should not be accepted.

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