H76 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 software developed or controlled by RECESS of people be on the floor, may I ask Chinese companies. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- how one would make an objection or The pace and pervasiveness of the ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair make a parliamentary inquiry in the spread in the United States of certain declares the House in recess until ap- future if you are not on the floor but in connected mobile and desktop applica- proximately 12:55 p.m. today. the gallery. tions and other software developed or Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 6 min- The VICE PRESIDENT. Under sec- controlled by persons in the People’s utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. tion 18 of title 3, United States Code, Republic of China (PRC), to include debate is not permitted in the joint Hong Kong and Macau (China), con- f session. tinue to threaten the national secu- b 1255 Mr. GRIFFITH. Further parliamen- rity, foreign policy, and economy of tary inquiry. the United States. By accessing per- AFTER RECESS Mr. Vice President, I am not at- sonal electronic devices such as The recess having expired, the House tempting to debate. I am trying to find smartphones, tablets, and computers, was called to order by the Speaker at out how a parliamentary inquiry or a Chinese connected software applica- 12 o’clock and 55 minutes p.m. parliamentary point of order would be made in following with the Speaker’s tions can access and capture vast f swaths of information from users, in- request that most of us not be on the cluding sensitive personally identifi- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER floor. How do you make one of those able information and private informa- The SPEAKER. As the House comes points of order when you don’t know tion. The continuing activity of the to order for this important, historic what is going to happen later? PRC and the Chinese Communist Party meeting, let us be reminded that each The VICE PRESIDENT. Respectfully, to steal or otherwise obtain United side, House and Senate, Democrats and the gentleman’s parliamentary inquiry States persons’ data makes clear that Republicans, each have 11 Members al- constitutes debate, which is not per- there is an intent to use bulk data col- lowed to be present on the floor. Others mitted in the joint session under sec- lection to advance China’s economic may be in the gallery. This is at the tion 18 of title 3, United States Code. and national security agenda. To deal guidance of the Attending Physician Madam Speaker, Members of Con- with this threat, additional steps are and the Sergeant at Arms. gress, pursuant to the Constitution and required against those who develop or The gentlemen on the Republican the laws of the United States, the Sen- control certain Chinese connected soft- side of the aisle will please observe so- ate and House of Representatives are ware applications to protect our na- cial distancing and the agreement to meeting in joint session to verify the tional security. have 11 Members on each side so that certificates and count the votes of the The Executive Order prohibits cer- we can honor the responsibility to this electors of the several States for Presi- tain future transactions, as determined Chamber of this House of Representa- dent and Vice President of the United by the Secretary of Commerce (Sec- tives. States. retary), involving the following Chi- Please exit the floor if you do not After ascertainment has been had nese connected software applications: have an assigned role from your leader- that the certificates are authentic and Alipay, CamScanner, QQ Wallet, ship. You can share with your staff if correct in form, the tellers will count SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate, WeChat you want to have a few more, but you and make a list of the votes cast by the Pay, and WPS Office. The Secretary is cannot be that close together on the electors of the several States. The tellers on the part of the two also directed to: floor of the House with that many peo- ple in here. Houses will take their places at the (i) continue to evaluate Chinese con- Clerk’s desk. nected software applications that may I thank the Senate, and the Demo- The tellers, Mr. BLUNT and Ms. KLO- pose an unacceptable risk to the na- crats and Republicans, for following BUCHAR on the part of the Senate, and tional security, foreign policy, or econ- the rules. Ms. LOFGREN and Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of omy of the United States, and to take f Illinois on the part of the House, took appropriate action in accordance with their places at the desk. Executive Order 13873; and COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES— JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE The VICE PRESIDENT. Without ob- (ii) in consultation with the Attorney AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT jection, the tellers will dispense with General and the Director of National TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE the reading of the formal portions of Intelligence, provide a report to the CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1 the certificates. Assistant to the President for National There was no objection. Security Affairs with recommenda- At 12:59 p.m., the Sergeant at Arms, The VICE PRESIDENT. After tions to prevent the sale or transfer of Paul D. Irving, announced the Vice ascertaining that the certificates are United States user data to, or access of President and the Senate of the United regular in form and authentic, the tell- such data by, foreign adversaries, in- States. ers will announce the votes cast by the cluding through the establishment of The Senate entered the Hall of the electors for each State, beginning with regulations and policies to identify, House of Representatives, headed by Alabama, which the Parliamentarians control, and license the export of such the Vice President and the Secretary of have advised me is the only certificate data. the Senate, the Members and officers of vote from that State, and purports I have delegated to the Secretary, in of the House rising to receive them. to be a return from the State, and that consultation with the Secretary of the The Vice President took his seat as has annexed to it a certificate from an Treasury and the Attorney General, the Presiding Officer of the joint con- authority of that State purporting to the authority to take such actions, in- vention of the two Houses, the Speaker appoint or ascertain electors. cluding adopting appropriate rules and of the House occupying the chair on his Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the regulations, and employing all other left. Senators took seats to the right of certificate of the electoral vote of the powers granted to the President by the rostrum as prescribed by law. State of Alabama seems to be regular IEEPA, as may be necessary to imple- The joint session was called to order in form and authentic, and it appears ment the Executive Order. The heads of by the Vice President. therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the all executive departments and agencies PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES State of Florida received 9 votes for are directed to take all appropriate Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Vice President, President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the measures within their authority to im- parliamentary inquiry. State of Indiana received 9 votes for plement the provisions of the Execu- The VICE PRESIDENT. The gen- Vice President. tive Order. tleman from Virginia will state his The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there I am enclosing a copy of the Execu- parliamentary inquiry. any objections to counting the certifi- tive Order I have issued. Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Vice President, cate of vote of the State of Alabama DONALD J. TRUMP. in order to follow the Speaker’s in- that the teller has verified appears to THE WHITE HOUSE, January 5, 2021. structions that only a limited number be regular in form and authentic?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 19:21 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H77 There was no objection. SENATORS the Chair will put the question, Shall The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing Mike Braun, John Kennedy, Ron Johnson, the objection be agreed to? none, this certificate from Alaska, the Steve Daines, James Lankford, Bill Hagerty, The Clerk will report the objection Parliamentarians have advised me, is Marsha Blackburn. made in the joint session. the only certificate of vote from that MEMBERS OF CONGRESS The Clerk read the objection as fol- State that purports to be a return from Mo Brooks AL–5, Andy Biggs AZ–5, Jim lows: the State and that has annexed to it a Jordan OH–4, Madison Cawthorn NC–11, OBJECTION TO COUNTING THE ELECTORAL certificate from an authority of the Scott Perry PA–10, Mike Kelly PA–16, Clay VOTES OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA State purporting to appoint and ascer- Higgins LA–3, John W. Rose TN–6, Bill Posey We, a Member of the House of Representa- tain electors. FL–8, Jeff Duncan SC–3, Brian Babin TX–36, tives and a United States Senator, object to Louie Gohmert TX–1, Brian J. Mast FL–18, Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the the counting of the electoral votes of the Warren Davidson OH–8, Andy Harris MD–1, State of Arizona on the ground that they certificate of the electoral vote of the Steven Palazzo MS–4, Doug Lamborn CO–5, were not, under all of the known cir- State of Alaska seems to be regular in Kat Cammack FL–3. cumstances, regularly given. form and authentic, and it appears Tracey Mann KS–1, Bob Good VA–5, Adrian PAUL GOSAR, therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the Smith NE–3, Billy Long MO–7, Jack Bergman Representative, State of Arizona. State of Florida received 3 votes for MI–1, Michael Cloud TX–27, Rick Crawford TED CRUZ, President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the AR–1, Roger Williams TX–25, Bob Gibbs OH– Senator, State of Texas. State of Indiana received 3 votes for 7, Russ Fulcher ID–1, Ted Budd NC–13, Barry SENATORS Moore AL–2, Lee Zeldin NY–1, Jake Mike Braun, John Kennedy, Ron Johnson, Vice President. LaTurner KS–2, David Rouzer NC–7, Jason The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there Steve Daines, James Lankford, Bill Hagerty, Smith MO–8, Lauren Boebert CO–3, Chuck Marsha Blackburn. any objections to counting the certifi- Fleischmann TN–3, Tim Burchett TN–2, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS cate of vote of the State of Alaska that Chris Jacobs NY–27. the teller has verified appears to be Andrew S. Clyde GA–9, Lance Gooden TX– Mo Brooks AL–5, Andy Biggs AZ–5, Jim 5, Diana Harshbarger TN–1, Mary E. Miller Jordan OH–4, Madison Cawthorn NC–11, regular in form and authentic? Scott Perry PA–10, Mike Kelly PA–16, Clay There was no objection. IL–15, Mark E. Green TN–7, Ron Estes KS–4, Neal Dunn FL–2, Ronny Jackson TX–13, Higgins LA–3, John W. Rose TN–6, Bill Posey The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing FL–8, Jeff Duncan SC–3, Brian Babin TX–36, none, this certificate from Arizona, the Ralph Norman SC–5, Joe Wilson SC–2, Vicky Hartzler MO–4, Scott DesJarlais TN–4, Mar- Louie Gohmert TX–1, Brian J. Mast FL–18, Parliamentarians have advised me, is jorie Taylor Greene GA–14, Doug LaMalfa Warren Davidson OH–8, Andy Harris MD–1, the only certificate of vote that the CA–1, Jeff Van Drew NJ–2, Ben Cline VA–6, Steven Palazzo MS–4, Doug Lamborn CO–5, State purports to be a return from the Michael D. Rogers AL–3, Markwayne Mullin Kat Cammack FL–3. Tracey Mann KS–1, Bob Good VA–5, Adrian OK–2, Pat Fallon TX–4, Randy K. Weber TX– State and that has annexed to it a cer- Smith NE–3, Billy Long MO–7, Jack Bergman 14. tificate from an authority of that MI–1, Michael Cloud TX–27, Rick Crawford State purporting to appoint or ascer- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there AR–1, Roger Williams TX–25, Bob Gibbs OH– tain electors. further objections to the certificate 7, Russ Fulcher ID–1, Ted Budd NC–13, Barry Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- from the State of Arizona? Moore AL–2, Lee Zeldin NY–1, Jake dent, the certificate of the electoral There was no objection. LaTurner KS–2, David Rouzer NC–7, Jason vote of the State of Arizona seems to The VICE PRESIDENT. The two Smith MO–8, Lauren Boebert CO–3, Chuck be regular in form and authentic, and Houses will withdraw from joint ses- Fleischmann TN–3, Tim Burchett TN–2, Chris Jacobs NY–27. it appears therefrom that Joseph R. sion. Each House will deliberate sepa- Andrew S. Clyde GA–9, Lance Gooden TX– Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- rately on the pending objection and re- 5, Diana Harshbarger TN–1, Mary E. Miller ceived 11 votes for President and port its decision back to the joint ses- IL–15, Mark E. Green TN–7, Ron Estes KS–4, KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- sion. Neal Dunn FL–2, Ronny Jackson TX–13, fornia received 11 votes for Vice Presi- The Senate will now retire to its Ralph Norman SC–5, Joe Wilson SC–2, Vicky dent. Chamber. Hartzler MO–4, Scott DesJarlais TN–4, Mar- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there jorie Taylor Greene GA–14, Doug LaMalfa The Senate retired to its Chamber. CA–1, Jeff Van Drew NJ–2, Ben Cline VA–6, any objections to counting the certifi- b 1315 Michael D. Rogers AL–3, Markwayne Mullin cate of vote of the State of Arizona OK–2, Pat Fallon TX–4, Randy K. Weber TX– that the teller has verified appears to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 14. be regular in form and authentic? The SPEAKER. The Chair will re- The SPEAKER. The Chair will en- Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Vice President, I, mind Members of the need to adhere to deavor to alternate recognition be- PAUL GOSAR from Arizona, rise for my- the decorum requirements of the tween Members speaking in support of self and 60 of my colleagues to object Chamber as laid out in the Speaker’s the objection and Members speaking in to the counting of the electoral ballots announced policies of January 4, 2021, opposition to the objection. from Arizona. in accordance with the guidance of the The Chair recognizes the gentleman The VICE PRESIDENT. Is the objec- Attending Physician. from Louisiana (Mr. SCALISE) for 5 tion in writing and signed by a Sen- Members are advised to remain in the minutes. ator? Chamber only if they are participating Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I rise Mr. GOSAR. Yes, it is. in debate and must wear a mask at all today to object to a number of States Senator CRUZ. It is. times, even when under recognition for that did not follow the constitutional The VICE PRESIDENT. An objection debate. requirement for selecting electors. presented in writing and signed by both Members must also practice proper Madam Speaker, this is something a Representative and a Senator com- social distancing while present in the that is clear that our Founding Fathers plies with the law, chapter 1 of title 3, Chamber. debated about as a fundamental deci- United States Code. Please, in the interests of your own sion of how we choose our President. The Clerk will report the objection. health and as an example to the Amer- There was a lot of back and forth, if The Clerk read the objection as fol- ican people, abide by the numbers, now anyone reads the founding documents lows: up to 25 on each side of the aisle, to of our country, about the different OBJECTION TO COUNTING THE ELECTORAL participate in this stage of the debate. versions they went through to ulti- VOTES OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Reso- mately come up with a process where We, a Member of the House of Representa- lution 1 and 3 U.S.C. 17 governing the each State has elections; each State tives and a United States Senator, object to procedure for counting the electoral has a process for selecting their elec- the counting of the electoral votes of the votes, when the two Houses withdraw tors and sending them to Washington. State of Arizona on the ground that they from the joint session to count the Madam Speaker, in a number of were not, under all of the known cir- electoral vote for separate consider- cumstances, regularly given. those States, that constitutional proc- PAUL GOSAR, ation of objection, a Representative ess was not followed, and that is why Representative, State of Arizona. may speak to the objection for 5 min- we are here to object. TED CRUZ, utes, and not more than once. Debate If you look at what the requirement Senator, State of Texas. shall not exceed 2 hours, after which says, nowhere in Article II, Section 1

VerDate Sep 11 2014 19:30 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H78 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 does it give the secretary of state of a In fact, on our first full day of this ate, to do only this: open the sealed en- State that ability; nowhere does it give Congress, many of us brought legisla- velopes and then the votes shall be the Governor that ability; nowhere tion onto the House floor to start fix- counted. Simple. It doesn’t say counted does it give a court that ability. It ex- ing the problems with our elections, to in a manner that some Members of clusively gives that ability to the leg- restore integrity to the election proc- Congress or the Vice President might islatures. In fact, in most States, that ess, which has been lost by so many prefer. No. The votes are simply to be is the process that was followed. But millions of Americans. And we had a counted as certified and transmitted by for those States, this wasn’t followed. vote. Every single Republican voted to the States. Unfortunately, this is not new. We reform the process. Every single Demo- b 1130 have seen over and over again more crat voted against it. They don’t want States where the Democratic Party has During reconstruction after the Civil to fix this problem. War, more than one slate of electors gone in and selectively gone around But the Constitution is our guide, this process. That has to end, Madam were appointed by States. Dueling lists and it is time we start following the were sent and protracted processes Speaker. We have to follow the con- Constitution. It is time we get back to stitutional process. were undertaken in Presidential elec- what our Founding Fathers said is the tions. And, as a result, to make an or- Now, there might be reasons why process for selecting electors: that is some people don’t like the process laid derly process, Congress enacted the the legislatures in public view, not be- Electoral Count Act of 1887. This law out by a legislative body. hind closed doors, not smoke-filled Madam Speaker, I served on one of governs our proceedings today. The act rooms, not bullying somebody that provides dispute resolution mecha- those legislative bodies when I was in might give you a better ruling. the State legislature for 12 years. I nisms. Let’s get back to rule of law and fol- Under the ECA, if a Governor cer- served on the House and Governmental low the Constitution, Madam Speaker. Affairs Committee, where we wrote the tifies a slate of electors and there are The SPEAKER. For what purpose no competing slates in that State, the laws for our State’s elections. And I does the gentlewoman from California can tell you, when we had to make Governor-certified must be counted. (Ms. LOFGREN) seek recognition? Today, every single slate of electors changes, those were extensively nego- Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I tiated. We would have people on both won by Joe Biden, or won by Donald rise to strike the last word. Trump, got their Governor’s certifi- sides come. The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman Republicans and Democrats, Madam cation. Not a single State submitted a from California (Ms. LOFGREN) is recog- Speaker, would get together to work competing slate. There is no dispute to nized for 5 minutes. resolve. through those changes, any minute Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, this change to how a precinct would func- The 2020 election was the most secure day marks a crossroads for American tion, to how a change would be made in election conducted in modern history. democracy. Those who object to the the time of an election, signature re- Challenges were resolved by lawful re- counting of the electoral college votes, quirements, all the many things that counts and audits. which reflect the votes of the American involve a clerk carrying out the duties The result? people, want to substitute their pref- Vice President Biden won the 2020 in each parish, in our case. You would see people come and give erences for the voters’ choice. That is election. More than 60 lawsuits were filed con- testimony, Madam Speaker. Both sides not what our Constitution requires, testing elements of the election proc- could come. Clerks of court were there and it is at odds with our American ess. None of these lawsuits prevailed. in the hearing rooms. democratic Republic. If Congress selects the next President Why? It was an open process, by the way, As even President Trump’s own judi- not behind closed doors in a smoke- instead of the American voters, we would have no need for an electoral cial appointees ruled, there was no evi- filled room where somebody might dence of any wrongdoing that would want to bully a secretary of state to college. In fact, we would have no need for Presidential elections at all. We change the outcome. get a different version that might ben- The people spoke. It was not a close efit them or their party or their can- would be moving from a government elected by the people to a government election. The margin of victory for didate. That is not what our Founding Biden in 2020 was larger than Trump’s Fathers said is the process. Maybe it is selected by those already governing. That is not America. In the United margin in 2016. In fact, the Biden vic- how some people wanted to carry it tory is one of the most decisive in mod- out. But they laid out that process. States, we abide by the choices of the people, not by an elite few. ern times, exceeding the margin en- So when we would have to make joyed by Reagan when he defeated Car- those changes, they were in public The Framers of our Constitution con- sidered to have Congress select the ter in 1980. view; they were heavily debated; and Congress has gathered in a joint ses- President and specifically rejected it. then, ultimately, those laws were sion to count electoral votes every four Instead, they wrote Article II and the changed in advance of the election so years since 1789. I understand the dis- 12th Amendment. everybody knew what the rules were. appointment people feel when their Article II creates the electoral col- People on both sides knew how to play candidate for President loses. I have lege, where each State appoints elec- by the rules before the game started, felt the same several times in my vot- tors. Laws of all 50 States and D.C. re- not getting somewhere in the process ing life. and saying, well, you don’t think it is quire electors to vote for the winner of When that happens, it is not an invi- going to benefit you, so you try to go the State’s popular election. Each tation to upend the Constitution and around the Constitution. State provides for the orderly conduct the laws of the United States. It is an That is not how our system works. It of elections, including lawful chal- invitation to work with the new Presi- has gotten out of hand. So President lenges, recounts, and the like. dent for the good of the country and to Trump has called this out, and Presi- The 12th Amendment is what brings wait for the next election in 4 years if dent Trump has stood up to it. So us to today. It says the electors meet you are dissatisfied. many of us have stood up to it. in their States. That happened Decem- In that spirit, I urge my colleagues In fact, over 100 of my colleagues, ber 14. to uphold the American democracy and Madam Speaker, asked the Supreme The amendment says the electors reject the objection. Court to address this problem just a shall cast their votes, sign and certify Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I rise few weeks ago, and, unfortunately, the them, and transmit them to us, sealed. to support the objection. Court chose to punt. They didn’t an- That has been done. The sealed enve- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from swer it one way or the other. They lopes containing the signed and cer- Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes. didn’t want to get in the middle of this tified ballots from each State’s elec- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, discussion. tors reflecting the votes of the people Americans instinctively know there We don’t have that luxury today. We are in those mahogany boxes. was something wrong with this elec- have to discuss this. We have to fix The 12th Amendment directs the Vice tion. During the campaign, Vice Presi- this. President, as the President of the Sen- dent Biden would do an event and he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.009 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H79 would get 50 people at the event. Presi- the election 3 days; not the legislature, That we are here, with a substantial dent Trump, at just one rally, gets the partisan Supreme Court. number of our Members seeking to 50,000 people. President Trump in- Pennsylvania law says mail-in bal- overturn an election is remarkable, creases votes with African Americans; lots require signature verification. tragic, and all too predictable, for it is increases votes with Hispanic Ameri- Democrat secretary of state said: the natural result of a locomotive set cans; won 19 of 20 bellwether counties; Nope. I am going to decide by myself in motion months ago with a myth. won Ohio by 8; Iowa by 8; and Florida that it doesn’t, for 2.6 million ballots. For weeks and weeks, before, during, by 3. President Trump got 11 million Pennsylvania law says mail-in bal- and after our election, a dangerous more votes than he did in 2016, and lots can’t be processed until election falsehood was propagated: That our House Republicans won 27 of 27 toss-up day. Some counties said no. And you election would be marred by massive races. can imagine which counties they were. fraud. But somehow the guy who never left Democrat-run counties said no and al- Never mind it was the same election his house wins the election? lowed ballots to be cured and fixed be- which brought the very men and Eighty million Americans, 80 million fore election day. women to this Chamber who would of our fellow citizens, Republicans and They did an end-run around the Con- challenge its results. What value has Democrats, have doubts about this stitution in every State that Repub- consistency when measured against election; and 60 million people, 60 mil- licans will object to today. Every sin- ambition? lion Americans think it was stolen. gle one. It was a pattern. It was their A former Senator from Georgia, re- But Democrats say: No problem. No template. They did it in Arizona. They marking on a contested election over a worries. Everything is fine. did it in Georgia. They did it in Michi- century ago, said: ‘‘Able men, learned We asked for an investigation. We gan. They did it in Pennsylvania. They men, distinguished men, great men in asked Chairman NADLER, Chairwoman did it in Nevada. They did it in Wis- the eyes of the nation, seemed intent MALONEY for an investigation. They consin. only on accomplishing a party tri- Yet, some of our Members say: Don’t said no. They wouldn’t want to inves- umph, without regard to the con- worry about it. We shouldn’t do any- tigate something that half the elec- sequences to the country. That is thing. Just let it go. It was just six torate has doubts about. It is just the human nature. That is,’’ he said, ‘‘un- Presidency of the United States. States who violated the Constitution. What if it is 10 States next time? fortunately, party nature.’’ Why? Why not one single investiga- Was he right? tion? Why not even one single hearing What if it is 15? What if, in 2024, 2028, it is 26 States? What if it is half the We stand in a House which was once over the last 9 weeks in the United the place of giants. Have we become so States House of Representatives? Why? States that do an end-run around what the Constitution clearly spells out? small? Does our oath to uphold the Because all the Democrats care about Constitution, taken just days ago, is making sure President Trump isn’t We are the final check and balance. The authority rests with us, the United mean so very little? President. For 41⁄2 years that is all they I think not. I believe, to quote our have cared about. States Congress, the body closest to the American people, right where the dear departed friend, Elijah Cummings, July 31, 2016, before he was elected that we are better than that. I think the first time, Jim Comey’s FBI takes Founders wanted it. We should do our duty. We should object to and vote for Elijah would be proud that the debate out the insurance policy; opens an in- here today is not between Democrats vestigation on the President based on this objection to the Arizona electors. Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise and Republicans, and that some Repub- nothing. licans, including the Republican leader May 17, 2017, Bob Mueller was named in opposition to the objection. The SPEAKER. The gentleman from of the Senate, remain devoted to the special counsel. Two years they inves- principle that we are a nation of laws, tigate the Russia hoax. Nineteen law- California is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, a little not individuals, let alone a single indi- yers, 40 agents and $40 million of tax- more than 2 months ago, America per- vidual. payer money for nothing. It may seem unfair to the new Mem- December 18, 2019, Democrat House formed an extraordinary feat. Under some of the most trying circumstances bers who have only just taken the oath Members vote to impeach President for the first time, that they should be Trump based on an anonymous whistle- in our history, our fellow citizens con- ducted a free and fair election, vindi- so soon tested with one of the most blower with no firsthand knowledge, consequential votes they may cast, no who was biased against the President cating our Founders’ belief once again, that we were capable of self govern- matter how long they serve. But it is and who worked for Joe Biden. so, and none of us can shrink from that But none of that worked. As hard as ment and a peaceful transition of responsibility. Nor can we console our- they tried, none of that worked. They power. selves with the intoxicating fiction threw everything they had at him. On November 3, the American people So what did they do next? chose Joe Biden to be their next Presi- that we can break that oath without They changed the rules. They dent by an enormous margin. The suc- consequence because doing so will not changed the election law and they did cessful conduct of that election, among succeed in overturning the election. An it in an unconstitutional fashion, and the most secure in American history, oath is no less broken when the break- that is what we are going to show over was not an accident. It was the result ing fails to achieve its end. the next several hours of debate. of the dedicated work of thousands of We must be mindful that any who The Constitution is clear, as Whip volunteers, canvassers, poll workers, seek to overturn an election will do in- SCALISE just said. State legislatures electors, and State and local election jury to our Constitution, whatever the and only State legislatures set election officials. result. For just as the propagation of law. When the conduct of any State elec- that dangerous myth about this elec- In Arizona, the law says voter reg- tion was challenged, the courts, tion made this moment inevitable, our istration ends on October 5. through judges appointed by Demo- actions today will put another train in Democrats said: We don’t care what crats and those appointed by Repub- motion. This election will not be over- the law says. licans, heard unsubstantiated claims of turned. They went to a court, got an Obama- fraud, found they had no merit, and But what about the next? Or the one appointed judge to extend it 18 days. said so. after that? No debate, as Steve talked about. No But most important, the American What shall we say when our demo- debate. No discussion. They just did it. people persevered. In the midst of the cratic legacy is no more substantial Pennsylvania, same thing. Pennsyl- worst pandemic in a century, America than the air, except that we brought vania laws says mail-in ballots have to had one of the most impressive elec- trouble to our own house and inherited be in by 8 p.m. election day. tions in a century, with historic voter the wind? Democrat Supreme Court said: Nope. turnout. This isn’t the first time we have had We are going to extend it. Our fellow citizens did their civic a contentious election, and it won’t be Election day doesn’t end on Tuesday duty. The question we face today is: the last. In 1800, John Adams lost a now. They took it to Friday. Extended Will we do ours? closely contested election to Thomas

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.011 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H80 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 Jefferson, in the first peaceful transi- sion, the bypassing of the deadline to mittee, I write to you with upmost urgency tion of power from one party to an- 10 days. to communicate to you several occurrences other in our history. Adams was hardly The appellate court, without legal that thwart our ability as legislators to in- pleased with the result, choosing to justification, also decided that every- vestigate legitimate and concerning allega- one who registered after the legal dead- tions of election fraud in the most recent skip the inaugural activities, but he general election. On December 14, 2020, Ari- did what leaders are required to do in a line, but before the deadline created by zona sent an alternate slate of electors, democratic government when they judicial fiat, could still vote. along with a resolution from 21 current and lose. He went home. He went home. Note that the Arizona legislature was 8 newly elected legislators asking you to re- Jefferson would later refer to his vic- no longer in control of determining the frain from accepting the Biden electors until tory as the Revolution of 1800, but mar- manner of appointing Presidential we could adequately investigate these claims veled that the Revolution had occurred electors because the court had set a of fraud. ‘‘by the rational and peaceful instru- new deadline, even though the appel- Soon after the election, I requested an late court found the legislature’s dead- Elections Committee discovery hearing in ments of reform, the suffrage of the order to use subpoena power to acquire the people.’’ line was constitutionally sound. During that window, more than 32,000 voting machines and ballots in order to do a It has never been our place to over- voters registered in Maricopa County comprehensive and forensic audit. I was told turn an election, and if we hope to re- that it was not a good idea and was denied alone. Here are copies of those voter main a democracy, it never will be. the ability. I continued to request the hear- registration records. In going around Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I rise in ing with the Speaker of the House, asked the deadline set by the legislature, the publicly, and tried every avenue to no avail. support of the objection. court ignored the Arizona legislature’s The SPEAKER. The gentleman from A full month later on December 9th, the Sen- obligation and right to direct the man- ate President authorized a hearing via the Arizona is recognized for 5 minutes. ner of choosing Presidential electors as Judiciary committee, and that did result in Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I join set forth in Article II, Section 1. subpoenas to the Maricopa County Super- the objection to counting votes of elec- As a consequence of that judicial visors (who oversee the elections process) tors from my home State of Arizona, as usurpation, more than 32,000 people that have yet, as of the writing of this letter, well as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wis- were allowed to unlawfully cast ballots been complied with. consin, Michigan, and Nevada, because in Arizona’s Presidential election in Court cases have been dismissed due to not having evidence, however our efforts to do an election integrity is the heart of our 2020. American constitutional republic? audit to obtain such evidence have been sup- The Arizona legislature seeks an pressed. We held a hearing on 11/30/2020 with In a representative form of govern- independent audit of the election. The Rudy Giuliani to at least hear testimony ment, we must be able to trust that our Governor refuses now to call them into from citizens who experienced irregularities, elections accurately represent the will a special session. The Maricopa County along with subject matter experts who re- of the American voter. This is the ap- Board of Supervisors has refused to ported severe irregularities and probable propriate forum anticipated and pro- comply with legislative subpoenas. In tampering with the machine apparatus. On vided for by our Founders to debate Arizona, the people who control the 11/30/2020, a group of Arizona citizens re- whether this election complied with evidence related to the election have ported publicly that they had uncovered the Constitution that we have all done everything possible to prevent an with great confidence a minimum estimation of 160,000 fraudulent voters, based on over sworn to protect. independent audit directed by the leg- 1000 declarations/affidavits collected. This Every particular of the Constitution islature. supports an earlier document submitted to is to be protected, including Article II, Arizonans have used the limited the Attorney General and would largely im- Section 1. The debate as to the legit- amount of records available to inves- pact the outcome of the election. imacy of the 2020 Presidential election tigate the 2020 Presidential election. Of We have experienced obstruction at every has been suppressed by the left and its a limited sample of 1,000 addresses of turn. For your reference, I have itemized, in propagandists in the media until today. voters, they found 539 voters did not Exhibit A, many of the various ways we have State legislatures are required to de- live at the addresses on the voter rolls. been stopped from investigating claims of fraud and gross irregularities. It is my hope termine the manner in which electors Here is a stack of 1,000 declaration of affidavits supporting that. that you will see that the Arizona Presi- are chosen. Arizona names its electors dential election is still in dispute and unre- on the general election ballot and iden- I object to counting the votes of Ari- zona electors because the Federal solved. We call on you to take this into con- tifies what candidate those electors are sideration as you perform your duties on required to vote for should that can- courts went around the legislatively January 6th, and not accept the electors constructed mechanism for choosing didate obtain the majority of votes in until we have resolution to these matters. Arizona’s Presidential electors, allow- the general election. With utmost respect, ing tens of thousands of voters to un- As part of the manner for deter- KELLY J. TOWNSEND, lawfully cast votes. The court usurped Senator-Elect. mining electors, Arizona also estab- a key component of the Arizona legis- EXHIBIT A lishes deadlines for voter registration. lature’s manner of selecting Presi- The deadline has been in place for 30 1. Requests from the House Elections dential electors, thus violating Article Chairwoman (myself) and the House Federal years. II, Section 1. The legislature is being Relations Chairman (Mark Finchem) to hold b 1345 obstructed in its efforts. And what lit- an evidentiary hearing were repeatedly de- nied and have yet to be honored. Multiple This year, that voter registration tle evidence we have and what little in- formation we have has produced this Chairmen of various committees requested a deadline was October 5. Early voting hearing in order to investigate claims, to no commenced 2 days later. Five days be- kind of evidence, which indicates a sig- nificant problem with the integrity of avail. We were forced to hold an unofficial fore the deadline, a group filed a law- hearing on November 30th where many came suit demanding that Arizona election the Presidential election. forward with very concerning evidence and Madam Speaker, I include in the officials not enforce the deadline. claims. RECORD my written comments, to- 2. The Senate Judiciary Committee hear- The Federal District Court decided gether with the voter registration that since other States have a deadline ing was not held until 41 days after the elec- records that reflect the 32,000 registra- tion on 12/14/2020, the same day as the Elec- later than Arizona’s and some even tions permitted in contravention of tors were to cast their votes. This delay ren- allow for registration when voting, State law; letters and resolutions from dered the hearing of little effect regarding that Arizona’s new deadline would be a Arizona legislators pertaining to the having confidence in the correct votes cast. time he chose, not the legislature’s count of votes from electors; along The Chairman thus issued a subpoena for the timeline. with approximately 1,000 affidavits and equipment and ballots, but the Maricopa The appellate court effectively over- Board of Supervisors has countersued and declarations pertaining to potential refuse to comply. They will not release any turned the lower court ruling and voter fraud in Arizona in the 2020 Pres- noted that the Arizona deadline estab- machine or ballot info, even though within idential election; and the statement of the RFP for the Dominion machines, it is lished by the State legislature was Congressman RANDY WEBER of Texas. stated that their key features are their abil- sound and appropriate and complied DECEMBER 31, 2020. ity to conduct hand counts, perform risk with the Constitution. But the appel- DEAR VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: As the Chair- limiting audits, and publish ballot images late court merely shortened the exten- woman of the Arizona House Elections Com- and adjudication records with markings on a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.012 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H81 public website, calling it their open data ini- 10. The Maricopa County Recorder at- zona electoral votes. Our election is still in tiative. Now that they are being asked for it, tended more than one DefCon conference dispute, and we have obfuscation and at- they are refusing to make it available, citing that focused on the ability to hack voting tempts at running out the clock to prevent voter confidentiality. There is no voter in- machines. The Legislature was never in- discovery of the facts. We believe it is impos- formation contained in the machine or on a formed that the outcome of these con- sible to conclusively declare a winner in Ari- ballot, however, so that reasoning is insuffi- ferences recommended that elected officials zona and pray that you would refrain from cient. Their inaction and nonfeasance pre- be notified due to unprotected ports on the counting the electoral votes from our state, vent us from proper discovery. machines, passwords left unset or left in de- and consider the alternate slate should we be 3. I, along with several others, requested fault configurations and security features of able to establish validity to the various the Governor to call us in for special session the underlying commercial hardware were claims of election fraud on such a scale that to be able to deal with the issue. It is our un- left unused or even disabled. It was rec- would change the outcome. derstanding that we cannot enforce the sub- ommended that to improve election security, Thank you, kindly, for your attention to poena for equipment and ballots unless we paper ballots should be used, and a rigorous these matters. are in session. His ongoing unwillingness to post-election audit be performed. We learned call us into session to address these issues about this issue via social media, and it was A RESOLUTION TO CONGRESS obfuscated by the Election officials. had kept us from adequate discovery. On 12/ Whereas, it is the constitutional and legal 02/2020, Governor Doug Ducey was asked by 11. Arizona Republican State Chair Kelli Ward reports the following malfeasance and obligation of the Legislature of the State of the media if he was going to honor the Legis- Arizona to ensure that the state’s presi- lator’s request for a special session. He pro- obstruction: a. No allowed review of the digitally adju- dential electors truly represent the will of ceeded to incorrectly name Monday January dicated ballots—over 200,000. the voters of Arizona; and 13th as our first day back in regular session. b. Only 100 of the duplicated ballots re- Whereas, pursuant to the direction of Con- In response, the reporter asked, ‘‘So you see viewed—3% error rate in favor of President gress as set forth in United States Code, title no need for a special session to look at any Trump. Maricopa County refused to look at 3, section 1 as authorized by Article II, sec- of these issues or the issue of Presidential the other 28,000 ballots. tion 1, clause 4 of the Constitution of the electors...,’’ to which the Governor inter- c. No meaningful signature verification. United States, and state law adopted pursu- rupted and said, ‘‘I’ll see the Legislature in County employees doing signature ant thereto, Arizona conducted an election January.’’ verification offsite, over the internet, with- for presidential electors on the Tuesday next 4. The House leadership attempted to deter out oversight, and at times at a rate of 30 after the first Monday in November of 2020– Representative Bret Roberts from sending a signatures or more per minute. that is, on November 3, 2020; and letter to Attorney General Brnovich and the 12. The Secretary of State took 24 days to Whereas, that election was marred by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors re- answer a public records request by Merissa irregularities so significant as to render it garding the accurate performance of a hand Hamilton, asking them to deliver the meet- highly doubtful whether the certified results count based on the statutory requirement to ing minutes from their technical committee accurately represent the will of the voters; do so by precinct, versus vote center. By to certify the Dominion voting equipment. and doing a hand count based on voting centers, Only after four requests and the involvement Whereas, Congress has further directed in it renders it impossible to tell if there was a of the Ombudsman did she obtain the infor- U.S. Code, title 3, section 2 that when a state rogue precinct involved in fraud. Neverthe- mation. The results of that request showed ‘‘has held an election for the purpose of less, Rep. Robert’s efforts to enforce statute that despite the voting equipment not being choosing electors, and has failed to make a were thwarted by House leadership. able to calculate the votes properly, which 5. One week prior to the Electors voting, was never addressed, the machines were still choice on the day prescribed by law, the elec- on December 7th, the House and Senate lead- certified. The Maricopa County RFP for the tors may be appointed on a subsequent day ership closed the buildings in the name of Dominion equipment did not give the public in such manner as the legislature of such COVID–19, preventing any in-person hearings a chance to give input on the procurement. State may direct’’; and or work to be performed. This greatly hin- There was never any discussion or an offer of Whereas, that provision implicitly recog- dered our ability to push for discovery re- various options to choose from. The Board of nizes that Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of garding election integrity during the last Supervisors went straight to a vote with no the U.S. Constitution grants to each state days before the Elector’s votes were cast. discussion and approved the machines unani- legislature, with stated limitations, the sole 6. The Maricopa County Board of Super- mously. authority to prescribe the manner of ap- visors held a closed meeting on 11/20/2020 in 13. There are multiple/numerous examples pointing electors for that state; and order to certify the election results, where of how on election day observers and poll Whereas, the United States Supreme Court the public was not allowed to participate and workers were prevented from overseeing the and other courts have explained that when a ask questions. Prior to that meeting, on 12/ various procedures, thereby undermining state legislature directs the manner of ap- 08/2020, Merissa Hamilton (a data integrity confidence that there was no illegal activity pointing electors, it does so pursuant to a expert) delivered to the Attorney General a and violating Arizona’s statutes regarding grant of authority from the U.S. Constitu- statistically significant listing of deceased election integrity. We have had no formal in- tion rather than by reason of any state con- voters that received a ballot and those de- vestigation into the vast majority of these stitutional or other legal provision; that this ceased who actually returned a ballot. At the accusations. authority may be exercised by the legisla- aforementioned meeting, the Maricopa Coun- SUMMARY ture alone without other aspects of the nor- ty Elections Director Ray Valenzuela stated Arizona has many unresolved issues that mal lawmaking process; and that the state that the list of deceased voters casting a bal- we would like to have investigated in order legislature’s authority over the appointment lot was mere folklore and dismissed it as a to confidently say our electors voted for the of presidential electors is plenary and may nonissue. This accusation is still pending an true victor in the 2020 Presidential election. be resumed at any time; and investigation. We still have outstanding issues left unre- Whereas, because U.S. Code, title 3, section 7. After submitting a public records re- solved and are being stopped at nearly every 7 mandates that all presidential electors quest for the Federal only voters who cast a turn from investigating. For example, the vote for President and Vice President of the ballot in the 2020 General election, I was told Maricopa County Recorder’s office started United States on December 14, 2020, it is im- by a staff member that the Elections Direc- counting early ballots 14 days before election possible to pursue the Legislature’s preferred tor was ‘‘vetting the list’’ before he gave it day. During that time, the backup server course of action, which would be for Arizo- to me. I did not request a cleaned-up list of was removed each night by a Dominion em- na’s voters to participate in a new and fair voters, but the list in its entirety. This di- ployee. This is of significant concern because and free presidential election before that minished my confidence in that list, that I the information on those servers could have date; and have a true representation of persons who been manipulated and/or provided to nefar- Whereas, in view of the facts heretofore re- cast a ballot that cannot establish their ious people as to how many ballots/votes cited, the Legislature is required to exercise identity or citizenship. were needed to change the results of the its best judgment as to which slate of elec- 8. Arizona State House leadership pre- election as time went on. tors the voters prefer; and vented Legislators from issuing press re- Many in the Legislature believe that if we Whereas, legal precedent exists where in leases having to do with the election that did are able to do a forensic audit, we could in- 1960 the State of Hawaii sent an alternate not conform to their own opinion. This di- vestigate these and other serious claims slate of electors while the Presidential elec- minished our ability to communicate to the brought forward to us. However, as you can tion was still in question in order to meet public our concerns about how the election see by the list above (not exhaustive but the deadline of selecting electors, and upon and post procedures were being handled. brief for your benefit) we have many entities recount the alternate slate of electors’ bal- 9. On 12/01/2020, I requested the Attorney who appear to be blocking our efforts to get lots were ultimately counted; and General’s Elections Integrity office to inves- to the bottom of the issue. One can only ask, Whereas, the undersigned have an obliga- tigate the claims made at the November 30th in a supposedly secure and fair election, why tion to find the truth. For this reason, on Giuliani hearing and provided them the link. discovery is being quashed. several occasions since November 3, we state I was told that none of the items listed at CONCLUSION lawmakers have requested fact-finding hear- the Giuliani hearing would be investigated It is asked that all of these issues be con- ings to include a comprehensive and inde- by that office. sidered when contemplating the eleven Ari- pendent forensic audit. At this time, no such

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06JA7.013 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H82 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 audit has been authorized. This leaves the Today we are in the people’s House to Trump last year. He rejected President uncertainty of the election results in a state complete the people’s process for Trump’s prayer to block certification that requires further investigation and reso- choosing the people’s President. We as- of Biden’s victory in Georgia, saying it lution; and Whereas, ongoing election irregularity liti- semble into joint session for a solemn ‘‘has no basis in fact or law.’’ gation is currently active, and there are un- purpose that we have all sworn a sa- Take U.S. District Judge Brett Lud- resolved disputes by both the Legislature cred oath to faithfully discharge. The wig, another Trump nominee who took and at least one Presidential campaign, ren- 12th Amendment obligates each and the bench in September. He dismissed a dering the election inconclusive as of date of every one of us to count the electoral lawsuit seeking to overturn the results signing of this letter, votes to recognize the will of the peo- in Wisconsin, calling it ‘‘extraor- Therefore, be it ple in the 2020 Presidential election. dinary.’’ Resolved by the undersigned Legislators, He said: ‘‘A sitting President who did members of the Arizona House and Senate, We are not here, Madam Speaker, to request that the alternate 11 electoral votes vote for the candidate we want. We are not prevail in his bid for reelection has be accepted for to Donald J. Trump or to here to recognize the candidate the asked for Federal Court help in setting have all electoral votes nullified completely people actually voted for in the States. aside the popular vote based on . . . until a full forensic audit can be conducted. Madam Speaker, the 2020 election is issues he plainly could have raised be- Be it further resolved that the United States over and the people have spoken. Joe fore the vote occurred. Congress is not to consider a slate of electors Biden received more than 80 million ‘‘This court allowed the plaintiff the from the State of Arizona until the Legisla- votes. Seven million more than Presi- chance to make his case, and he has ture deems the election to be final and all lost on the merits.’’ irregularities resolved. dent Trump. A number larger than any Signed this day, 14 December, 2020. other President has received in U.S. Trump has asked for the rule of law Senator Elect Kelly Townsend, Legislative history. The sweeping popular victory to be followed, Judge Ludwig observed, District 16; Representative Kevin Payne, translated into an electoral college vic- and he said definitively: It has been. Legislative District 21; Representative Mark tory of 306–232, a margin which Presi- I have been a constitutional law pro- Finchem, Legislative District 11; Senator fessor for 30 years, and if I were to test Sonny Borrelli, Legislative District 5; Rep- dent Trump pronounced a landslide when he won by those exact same num- my students on these decisions, it resentative Bret Roberts, Legislative Dis- would be the easiest test in the world trict 11; Representative Bob Thorpe, Legisla- bers in 2016. tive District 6; Senator David Farnsworth, So now we count the electoral votes because the plaintiffs have lost nearly Legislative District 16; Representative Leo that were just delivered to us in the every case and every issue in the most Biasiucci, Legislative District 5; Representa- beautiful mahogany cases brought by sweeping terms. That is all they would tive Anthony Kern, Legislative District 20; those hardworking Senate pages. These have to remember. There is no basis in Senator Sylvia Allen, Legislative District 15; mahogany cases contain only the 538 fact or law to justify the unprece- Senator Elect Nancy Barto, Legislative Dis- dented relief that is being requested of trict 15; Majority Leader Warren Petersen, electoral votes that were sent in by the States, not the 159 million ballots that nullifying these elections. Legislative District 12; Representative Steve We are here to count the votes. Let Pierce, Legislative District 1; Representative were cast by our constituents. Those us do our job. Tony Rivero, Legislative District 21; Senator were counted 2 months ago by hun- Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I David Gowan, Legislative District 14; Rep- dreds of thousands of election officials resentative David Cook, Legislative District rise to support the objection. and poll workers across America who The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman 8; Representative John Fillmore, Legislative risked their health and even their lives District 16; Representative Travis Grantham, from Colorado is recognized for 5 min- Legislative District 12; Representative Wal- in the time of COVID to deliver what utes. ter Blackman, Legislative District 6; Rep- our Department of Homeland Security Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, to resentative Shawnna Bolick, Legislative Dis- called the most secure election in ease everyone’s nerve, I want Members trict 20; Representative Noel Campbell, Leg- American history. Many of these offi- to all know that I am not here to chal- islative District 1; Representative Elect Jac- cials have endured threats of retribu- lenge anyone to a duel like Alexander queline Parker, Legislative District 16; Rep- tion, violence, and even death just for resentative Elect Beverly Pingerelli, Legis- Hamilton or Aaron Burr. doing their jobs. Madam Speaker, my primary objec- lative District 21; Representative Elect Jake Just as the popular vote was for Hoffman, Legislative District 12; Senator tion to the counting of the electoral Elect Wendy Rogers, Lt Col, USAF (ret), Biden, so was the electoral vote. On votes of the State of Arizona is based Legislative District 6; Representative Elect December 15, Senate Majority Leader on the Constitution and the direction Steve Kaiser, Legislative District 15; Rep- MITCH MCCONNELL recognized it. ‘‘The of State legislatures through State resentative Elect Brenda Barton, Legislative electoral college has spoken,’’ the Sen- law, as spelled out in the following two District 6; Representative Elect Joseph ator said from the Senate floor. clauses of Article II, Section 1, Clause Chaplik, Legislative District 23; Representa- ‘‘Today I want to congratulate Presi- 2: ‘‘Each State shall appoint, in such tive Elect Judy Burges, Legislative District dent-elect Joe Biden.’’ 1; Representative Elect Quang Nguyen, Leg- manner as the legislature thereof may islative District 1. Yet, we have seen escalating attacks direct, a number of electors.’’ on our election with unfounded claims Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, I And the election clause of the Con- of fraud and corruption. More than 60 claim the time in opposition to the ob- stitution provides State legislatures lawsuits have been brought to date jection. with explicit authority to prescribe The SPEAKER. The gentleman from seeking to overturn the results. They ‘‘the times, places, and manner of hold- Maryland is recognized for 5 minutes. have failed repeatedly and they have ing elections.’’ Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, I failed spectacularly. For more than three decades, Arizona thank you first and all my dear beloved Every objection we hear today ma- law, set by the State legislature, has colleagues for your love and tender- ligning our States and their officials— required that voter registration end no ness, which my family and I will never both Republican and Democrat—has later than 29 days before an election. forget. been litigated, adjudicated, and oblit- This is clear. It is law, unless amend- Abraham Lincoln, whose name is a erated in both Federal and State ed by the State legislature. This is the comfort to us all, said: ‘‘We have got Courts. The President has not just had way it needs to be carried out. the best government the world ever his day in court, Madam Speaker, he In Arizona, the deadline for voter knew.’’ has had more than 2 months in court registration for the 2020 Presidential It is best because the first three looking for a judge to embrace these election was October 5, 2020. Using words of the Constitution tell us who arguments. In more than 50 cases, COVID as a reasoning, Democrats filed governs here: We the People. Madam Speaker, at least 88 different a lawsuit to extend this deadline by 18 Watch this proceeding today and tell judges, including many appointed by days. An injunction was made by an the world with pride, as Lincoln did, the President himself, have meticu- Obama-appointed judge preventing the about the brilliant meaning and prom- lously rejected the President’s claims Arizona secretary of state from enforc- ise of our country. Our Government be- of fraud and corruption. ing the constitutional deadline set by longs to the people. Take Georgia U.S. District Court the State legislature. As President Ford said: Here the peo- Judge Steven Grimberg, who was As a result of this frivolous, partisan ple rule. named to the bench by President lawsuit, 10 extra days were added via

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06JA7.014 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H83 judicial fiat to allow voter registra- over legal observers not being able to They met their duty, and they once tion. These 10 days were added after observe and inspect signatures, that again rose to the occasion and certified voting had already begun. This is com- the laws and Constitution of Arizona the election. And the question now is, pletely indefensible. You cannot were not violated to change voting out- will we do ours? change the rules of an election while it comes? Now, I know there are many is underway and expect the American And I will wait for a response. textualists among us, many of my col- people to trust it. The SPEAKER. The time of the gen- leagues who would understand that the Now, in this 10-day period, at least tleman has expired. Constitution must guide our work today. And the Constitution is crystal 30,000 new voters were registered to b 1400 vote in Arizona. All of these votes are clear: Our duty today is a narrow one. Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise unconstitutional. It does not matter if Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 reads: in opposition to the objection. ‘‘The President of the Senate shall, in they voted for President Trump or if The SPEAKER. The gentleman from they voted for Vice President Biden. the presence of the Senate and House Colorado is recognized for 5 minutes. of Representatives, open all the certifi- They did not register in time for the Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today election. The law states October 5. Ei- cates, and the votes shall then be is an important day. In 1862, during the counted. The person having the great- ther we have laws or we do not. depths of the Civil War, President Lin- If we allow State election laws as set est number of votes for President shall coln submitted his annual message to be the President.’’ forth by the State legislatures to be ig- Congress, to this body, and in it, he That is it, period. Our job is not to nored and manipulated on the whims of wrote the following: ‘‘Fellow citizens, replace the judgment made by the partisan lawsuits, unelected bureau- we cannot escape history. We, of this American people with our own. Yet, crats, unlawful procedures, and arbi- Congress and this administration, will that is precisely what so many of my trary rules, then our constitutional Re- be remembered in spite of ourselves. House and Senate Republican col- public will cease to exist. . . . The fiery trial through which we leagues ask this body to do, to sub- The oath I took this past Sunday to pass will light us down, in honor or dis- stitute their judgment for the ex- defend and support the Constitution honor, to the latest generation. . . . We pressed will of the American people. makes it necessary for me to object to shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the In America, we don’t do that. In the this travesty. Otherwise, the laws last best hope of Earth.’’ United States, we accept the results of passed by the legislative branch merely Madam Speaker, we gather today to free and fair elections. become suggestions to be accepted, re- ensure the survival of our grand Amer- Madam Speaker, we don’t ignore the jected, or manipulated by those who ican experiment, the greatest democ- will of the voters and attempt to in- did not pass them. racy this world has ever known, and stall a preferred candidate into power. Madam Speaker, I have constituents there are millions of people watching That doesn’t happen here. outside of this building right now. I today’s proceedings. The eyes of the Madam Speaker, I will close with promised my voters to be their voice. world are on us now, my colleagues, this. Our duty, our task, is a very sim- In this branch of government in which wondering if we will keep the faith, ple one: to honor the voice of the peo- ple, to honor our Constitution, to I now serve, it is my separate but equal wondering if our constitutional Repub- count the votes, to certify this elec- obligation to weigh in on this election lic will hold. and object. Will we adhere to our Constitution, tion, and begin to heal this great coun- Are we not a government of, by, and that solemn visionary document that try of ours. I pray each of us may find the cour- for the people? has guided us so well for so long and age to do so. They know that this election is not enabled the peaceful transfer of power right; and as their Representative, I Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam for the last 230 years? Speaker, I rise in support of the objec- am sent here to represent them. I will Will we continue to be a country pre- not allow the people to be ignored. tion. mised on the consent of the governed, a The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Madam Speaker, it is my duty under Congress that respects the will of the the U.S. Constitution to object to the Louisiana is recognized for 5 minutes. people, and a Republic that will en- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam counting of the electoral votes of the dure? Speaker, we have a solemn responsi- State of Arizona. The Members who Madam Speaker, those are the ques- bility today. We must vote to sustain stand here today and accept the results tions before us today. With respect to objections to slates of electors sub- of this concentrated, coordinated, par- my new colleague from Colorado, the mitted by States that we genuinely be- tisan effort by Democrats, where every question is not whether Joe Biden was lieve clearly violated the Constitution fraudulent vote cancels out the vote of elected the 46th President of the in the Presidential election of 2020. an honest America, has sided with ex- United States. He clearly was. The peo- This is the threshold legal question tremists on the left. ple of Arizona, like so much of the before us, and it is an issue before us The United States Congress needs to country, spoke clearly and resound- for the State of Arizona. We have to re- make an informed decision, and that ingly. They voted in record numbers, peat this for emphasis because a lot of starts with this objection. and over 81 million Americans selected people seem to be confused. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Joe Biden as the next President. Because judges and not the State leg- tleman from Florida (Mr. MAST). Now, today, we hear from some in islature changed the rules of the elec- Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, I rise as this Chamber—not all, but some of my tion, Arizona clearly violated the plain well to support the objection, and I rise colleagues on the other side of the language of Article II, Section 1 of the with the simple question: Can the aisle—vague claims of fraud. Constitution in its selection of Presi- Chair honestly tell Americans, with a No substance. dential electors. pending Supreme Court case over legal No evidence. The Framers of our Constitution rec- observers not being allowed to observe No facts. ognized that elections were susceptible and inspect signatures, that the laws No explanation for why over 88 to corruption. We all know that. So, and the Constitution of that State judges across this land have rejected how did they fix it? How did they pro- were not violated to change voting out- the very same claims. vide for that? They created the elec- comes? Madam Speaker, the bottom line is toral college as a safeguard, and they Madam Speaker, I will wait for a re- this. As my colleague, Representative expressly empowered State legislatures sponse. RASKIN, so eloquently put it, the people to ensure the integrity of our unique The SPEAKER. The gentleman from have spoken, and that is why, on De- election system. Florida (Mr. MAST) has 25 seconds re- cember 14, the electoral college met to Only the State legislatures, because maining. certify the election of a duly elected they are a full body of representatives Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, I will re- President, just as they have done for and not rogue officials, were given the peat my question. centuries during terrible world wars, authority to direct the manner of ap- Can you honestly tell Americans, recessions, depressions, plagues, and pointing Presidential electors because with a pending Supreme Court case pandemics. it was so important.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.016 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H84 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 The Supreme Court has acknowl- Court spoke to this. They plainly ac- administered with integrity, trans- edged this over and over. They pre- knowledged this important delibera- parency, and in accordance with State viously affirmed in Article II, Section tive role of Congress. It was the famous laws.’’ 1, Clause 2: ‘‘The appointment of these Bush v. Gore litigation that everybody Arizonans showed up to the polls in electors is thus placed absolutely and remembers from 2000. record numbers. More than 3.4 million wholly with the legislatures of the sev- In a per curiam opinion—meaning all people voted, with increases in every eral States.’’ That authority can never nine Justices, that it was unanimous— county, and 65 percent of all eligible be taken away or abdicated. they noted strict adherence to the pro- voters in Arizona voted in the 2020 elec- The Arizona Legislature did enact de- visions of the Electoral Count Act may tion. Arizonans cast their ballots up tailed rules and procedures that the create ‘‘a ‘safe harbor’ for a State inso- and down for Republicans and Demo- State was supposed to follow to choose far as congressional consideration of crats, and 11 electoral votes were its electors. But in the months pre- its electoral votes is concerned.’’ granted to Joe Biden and KAMALA HAR- ceding the 2020 election, as we have However, unanimously, the Court RIS based on their victory in Arizona. heard—and by the way, a thousand said since title 3, section 5 contains a That is the story. pages of evidence have just been sub- principle of Federal law that would as- Arizonans voted in hundreds of races mitted on the facts on this—those well- sure finality of the State’s determina- this year. In addition to the Presi- established rules and procedures were tion if they followed all the proscrip- dency, these races include nine mem- deliberately changed. tions there, if the will of the legisla- bers of the State’s congressional dele- They weren’t changed by the legisla- ture is attempted to be changed by a gation that are with you—four of them, ture, friends. They were changed by State court, that is a problem. That, my Republican colleagues. These Mem- judges. And those actions taken by the they said, Congress might deem to be a bers have already been seated in the judiciary were not limited to mere in- change in the law. 117th Congress. They do not question terpretations of existing law. No, they That is precisely why we are here the accuracy of Arizona’s 2020 elections were substantive, wholesale changes to right now. Go read Bush v. Gore, and to select the congressional delegation, those statutes. you will see this. yet my four Republican colleagues Madam Speaker, that is a usurpation Chief Justice William Rehnquist and question the Presidential election. of the authority that the legislature Justices Scalia and Thomas joined in a Our colleagues may say they are only had. That usurpation was repeated concurring opinion 8 days later, and asking questions and seeking to reas- across the country this year. It is the they reiterated this point. sure voters, but let us be clear: These primary reason—it is one of the rea- A significant departure from the leg- questions have been answered by the sons why the election of 2020 became islature’s scheme for appointing Presi- voters and by the courts. Rather than riddled with an unprecedented number dential electors presents a Federal accepting the answers and the results of serious allegations of fraud and question. It is a big problem for us, and of the election, they are fanning the irregularities all over the country. it is one we cannot get around. That is flames of unfounded suspicion and once National polls, it has been said, indi- why we are here. again creating a threat, a very real and cate that a huge percentage of Ameri- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- dangerous threat to our democracy. cans now have serious doubts about not leagues today to look at the facts, to Again, our friends do not question just the outcome of this Presidential follow the law, and to follow our con- the outcomes of their own elections. contest but also the future reliability gressional oath. We are supposed to That is because they have no reason to, of our election system itself. support and defend the Constitution. just as they have no legitimate reason Since we are convinced that the elec- That is what we do here today. I urge to question the results of the Presi- tion laws in Arizona and some other everyone to do the right thing. dential election in Arizona. key States were changed in this uncon- Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues stitutional manner, we have a responsi- rise in opposition to the objection. to reject this objection, to respect the bility today. The slates of electors pro- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from will of the voters in the State of Ari- duced under those modified laws are Arizona is recognized for 5 minutes. zona and throughout this country, and thus unconstitutional. They are not Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, to fundamentally add some preserva- ‘‘regularly given’’ or ‘‘lawfully cer- this exercise in futility that Congress tion to our democracy from any future tified,’’ as required by the Electoral is undertaking is at the behest of Re- damage, that this effort that we are Count Act, and they are invalid on publican Members of Congress. The ef- undertaking in this House and in the their face. That is just the conclusion fort to overturn the Presidential elec- Senate today does not further damage that you have to reach. tion and grant Donald Trump 4 more our democracy. Madam Speaker, given these inescap- years is the motivation behind it. And Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise able facts, we believe we have no to continue a baseless conspiracy- in support of my objection. The SPEAKER. The gentleman from choice today but to vote to sustain ob- fueled threat to our democracy makes no sense because there is no viable con- Arizona is recognized for 5 minutes. jections to those slates of electors. Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I filed Mr. RASKIN and others today have stitutional or legal path to overturn my challenge on the slate of electors cited the 12th Amendment, and they the election that will make Vice Presi- from the State of Arizona that was ac- cite Article II, Section 1, Clause 3—re- dent Biden and Senator HARRIS Presi- tually put forward by Governor Ducey member that, Clause 3. And they have dent and Vice President of the United of Arizona. asserted that Congress has only one States after January 20. My ask to you, the Speaker, through narrow role today; we are just supposed One certain outcome of this whole the Vice President, is simple. Do not to count the electoral votes that have process is the weakening of our democ- count these electors until and unless been submitted. But those advocates racy and the threatening of our democ- the secretary of state allows a forensic have overlooked a critical first prin- racy. Beginning with Arizona, Congress audit of the election, a request she has ciple. is being asked to chase down a rabbit denied repeatedly. Their assertion is only true so long hole baseless, discredited, and judi- We have been told over and over that as Congress first is convinced that the cially discarded fringe conspiracy theo- even though this was a public election electoral votes were not produced by a ries. using public money and public ma- process that violated the Constitution Madam Speaker, for the record, let’s chines utilizing public employees, the is there. We have to get through Clause talk a little bit about Arizona. Arizona public today has no ability to simply 2 of Article II, Section 1, before we get and State and local officials did an un- double-check the veracity of these re- to Clause 3 is the point. believable job to ensure that the 2020 sults. Look, in our unique system, Congress elections ran smoothly. Mr. Hickman, is positioned as the last bulwark in a the Republican chairman of the Mari- b 1415 Presidential election to ensure the copa County board, the largest county If the Presidential election was a Constitution has been followed. Indeed, in the State of Arizona, said: ‘‘No mat- football game, we would get a slow-mo- just two decades ago, the Supreme ter how you voted, this election was tion review from multiple angles and a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.017 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H85 correction of a controversial decision. the issue on January 11. Our Governor we will stay as long as it takes. Our But not so, we are told by our sec- has refused to allow the State to prop- purpose will be accomplished. We must, retary of state, for the Presidential erly convene to do its proper oversight. and we will, show to the country, and election, no review for you. Mr. Speaker, I ask you one question indeed to the world, that we will not be No access to the Dominion voting today: Are you a ceremonial figurehead diverted from our duty, that we will re- machines with a documented history of in your current role, or did the drafters spect our responsibility to the Con- enabling fraud through its now discred- of the 12th Amendment and Congress, stitution and to the American people. ited adjudication system, a system in the Electoral Count Act of 1887, en- On Sunday, it was my great honor to that literally allows one person to vision a role where you made discre- be sworn in as Speaker and to preside change tens of thousands of votes in tionary decisions about ballot fraud over a sacred ritual of renewal as we mere minutes. and fair elections? gathered under the stone of the temple In the only audit done in Arizona, a If you are merely ceremonial, then of democracy to open the 117th Con- court found 3 percent error rate let’s be done with this. Let’s eat our gress. I said, as we were sworn in then, against President Trump. Vice Presi- tea and crumpets and witness our na- we accept a responsibility as daunting dent Biden’s margin of error was one- tional decline. and demanding as any previous genera- tenth of that, at 0.03 percent. By the But if you are not merely ceremonial tion of leadership has ever faced. way, a 3 percent error rate at minimum but vested with discernment, ration- We know that we are in difficult is 90,000 ballots. After finding the 3 per- ality, and legal authority to not just times, but little could we have imag- cent error rate, the court stopped the count from 1 to 270, then do not accept ined the assault that was made on our audit and refused to go further. Arizona’s electors as certified. Remand democracy today. In Arizona, as my attachments make the slate back to the secretary of state, To those who stoked deterrence from clear, mail-in ballots were altered on back to the Governor, with the fol- our responsibility, you have failed. To the first day of counting as shown in lowing instructions: Until a full, com- those who engaged in the gleeful dese- data graphs we have provided, as con- plete electoral forensic audit is allowed cration of this, our temple of democ- cluded by data analysts. Over 400,000 by the secretary of state, the electors racy, American democracy, justice will mail-in ballots were altered, switched currently certified will not be counted. be done. from President Trump to Vice Presi- It will then fall on the State of Ari- dent Biden, or completely erased from zona to decide are its electors in the Today, January 6, is the Feast of the President Trump’s totals. game or not. Anything less is an abdi- Epiphany. On this day of revelation, let The proof is in the counting curves, cation of our constitutional Republic us pray that this instigation to vio- the curves that cannot occur except and our ethos: one man, one vote. lence will provide an epiphany for our with odds so rare and unlikely that We ask: Why? What is there to hide? country to heal. winning the Mega Millions lottery is Shouldn’t the lawful victor of an elec- In that spirit of healing, I invoke the more probable. tion be proud, open, and transparent song of Saint Francis. I usually do. Mr. Speaker, can I have order in the about an election audit? I would. In- Saint Francis is the patron saint of my Chamber? stead, we are met with denials, cover- city of San Francisco, and the ‘‘Song of RECESS ups, and contempt of subpoenas. Saint Francis’’ is our anthem. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. There is too much evidence of fraud, Lord, make me a channel of thy MCGOVERN). Pursuant to clause 12(b) of demonstrated by statistical anomalies peace. rule I, the Chair declares the House in that experts have determined cannot Where there is darkness, may I bring recess subject to the call of the Chair. happen in the absence of fraud, to ac- light. Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 18 min- cept such a slate. I am not asking these Where there is hatred, let us bring utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. electors never be counted; it is just love. that they need to be certified the prop- b 1426 Where there is despair, let us bring er way. hope. AFTER RECESS Our beloved Constitution is but a We know that we would be part of The recess having expired, the House mere piece of paper if we do not follow history in a positive way today, every was called to order by the Speaker pro the law, upholding the law. But now, 4 years when we demonstrate again the tempore (Mr. MCGOVERN) at 2 o’clock alas, we find ourselves lawless, destroy- peaceful transfer of power from one and 26 minutes p.m. ing the very thread that binds us to- President to the next, and despite the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- gether. But we need to get back to the shameful actions of today, we still will tleman from Arizona (Mr. GOSAR) has rule of law. That is what has been vio- do so. We will be part of a history that 23⁄4 minutes remaining. lated, truly, by the actions in these shows the world what America is made The gentleman may proceed. States. Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, as I was of, that this assault, this assault is just RECESS that. It shows the weakness of those saying, the probability of these ectopic The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- curves, you have a better likelihood of who have had to show through violence ant to clause 12(b) of rule I, the Chair what their message was. winning the Mega Millions lottery than declares the House in recess subject to My colleagues, it is time to move on. you do having statistical issues here. the call of the Chair. Over 30,000 illegal aliens voted in Ari- Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 29 min- I wear this pin quite frequently. Actu- OHN zona using the Federal ballot, yet our utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. ally, I gave it to our beloved J secretary of state refused the public ac- LEWIS just the weekend or so before he b 2102 cess to review the ballots. left us. It is the flag of our country, a Over a thousand residences were vis- AFTER RECESS flag of the United States of America. ited for proof of residency and address; The recess having expired, the House On it, it says, ‘‘One country, one des- 456 failed that test. They were vacant was called to order by the Speaker at 9 tiny.’’ lots. Even the Recorder’s office was o’clock and 2 minutes p.m. ‘‘One country, one destiny’’ is writ- used as an address. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ten on the flag. That was also what was What are they hiding? If the process The SPEAKER. The Chair will ad- embroidered in Abraham Lincoln’s was fair, these would be improbable. dress the Chamber. coat that he had on that fateful night— These would be once-in-a-lifetime-type Today, a shameful assault was made Lincoln’s party, Lincoln’s message: applications. on our democracy. It cannot, however, One country, one destiny. So let’s look at the ballots, the sig- deter us from our responsibility to So on this holy day of Epiphany, let natures, and the adjudicated records. validate the election of Joe Biden and us pray. I am a big believer in prayer. Until this is done, Mr. Speaker, we KAMALA HARRIS. For that reason, Con- Let us pray that there will be peace on should not count this slate. gress has returned to the Capitol. Earth and that it will begin with us. You have a letter from the Arizona We always knew that this responsi- Let us pray that God will continue to Legislature stating its intent to review bility would take us into the night, and bless America.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 16:29 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H86 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 With that, let us proceed with our re- after court have dismissed out of hand, by the country—they voted, and they sponsibilities to the Constitution to not because there was a little evidence, voted pretty decisively. which we have just, within 72 hours, but because there was no evidence. We, the people, together, must turn taken the oath to uphold. That is why we are the longest-last- away from division and its dangers. Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise ing constitutional democracy in the The senior Member of our body, DON in opposition to the objection. world. I hope all of us in this body are YOUNG from Alaska, spoke the other The SPEAKER. The gentleman from proud of that and understand why that day when we were sworn in and said: Maryland is recognized for 5 minutes. is the case. Because, as Dick Gephardt Ladies and gentlemen of this House, we Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, it is a said on this floor many years ago, de- are so divisive that it is going to de- sad day in America. It is a wrenching mocracy is a substitute for war to re- stroy our country. We need to reach day in America. It is a day in which solve differences. It proved once more out and hold one another’s hands. our words and our actions have had the ever-beating strong heart that We all have a title that we honor consequences of a very, very negative gives life to our Republic and our free- more than any other—perhaps parent, nature. We ought to watch our words doms. perhaps husband. But we are all Ameri- and think what it may mean to some. That strength, Madam Speaker, is cans. Not Americans-R; not Americans- My remarks were written before the derived in part from our institution D. We are Americans. tragic, dangerous, and unacceptable ac- and our laws, but most importantly, it Let us hope tonight that we act like tions—and ‘‘unacceptable’’ is such a is powered by citizens’ and leaders’ Americans. Not as Ds and Rs, but as tame word. My remarks started with, commitment to our Constitution. Not Americans, just as Al Gore, just as Hil- ‘‘Madam Speaker, the American people just us. We swear an oath. But it is all lary Clinton, just as Adlai Stevenson, today are witnessing one of the great- of America. just as Abraham Lincoln, who had won est challenges to our democracy in its Barack Obama spoke from that that election, of course. But he had de- 244-year history.’’ Chamber, and he said: I am going to be feated people, and he said that is not Little did I know that this Capitol taking another title next year—citizen. the issue; the issue is to reunite. would be attacked by the enemy with- And he was proud to take that. And We, the people, must again be the in. I was here on 9/11 when we were at- every citizen needs to protect, pre- strong heart of our American democ- tacked by the enemy without. serve, and uplift our democracy. racy. We need to all work together to tame Some today did not do that, many We, the people, on this day in Con- and reduce the anger and, yes, the hate today. gress, must be agents of unity and con- that some stoke. What some—not all, Sixty-eight years ago in Springfield, structive action to face the grave Madam Speaker, but some—in this Illinois, Governor Adlai Stevenson threats that confront us and tell those House and this Senate are doing today gracefully conceded his loss to General who would assault our Capitol: That is will not change the outcome of the Dwight Eisenhower. He said this: ‘‘It is not the American way. election, which is the clear and insur- traditionally American,’’ he told his We, the Members of Congress, who mountable victory of President-elect deeply disappointed supporters, ‘‘to swore an oath before God to preserve Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris. fight hard before an election.’’ and protect the Constitution of the Instead, all they will accomplish is to United States and our democracy, b 2115 further the dangerous divisions. must do so now. This was written before this Capitol But then he added, it is equally tradi- I don’t usually read Senator MCCON- was assaulted, before this democracy tional to close ranks as soon as the NELL’s speeches, but I am not speaking was put aside by thousands, encour- people have spoken—not the Congress, as a Democrat, nor was he speaking as aged by the Commander in Chief. not the electors, the people have spo- a Republican just a few hours ago. Instead, all they will accomplish is to ken. ‘‘We’re debating a step that has never further the dangerous divisions, as I That which unites us as American been taken in American history, said, among our people and energize citizens is far greater than that which whether Congress should overrule the conspiracy theories stoked by our for- divides us as political parties. voters and overturn a Presidential eign adversaries, which seek to erode It was another man from Springfield, election.’’ America’s confidence in our democracy fourscore and 8 years earlier, who won He went on to say that he supports a and our system of free and fair elec- reelection to the Presidency in the na- strong State-led voting reform. tions. tional crisis that tested our country ‘‘The Constitution,’’ he said, ‘‘gives I was here in 2000. I was strongly in and its democratic institutions, who us here in Congress a limited role. We favor of Al Gore for President, and my pleaded even in his hour of victory for cannot simply declare ourselves a na- candidate got more votes than the the same spirit of reconciliation. That tional board of elections on steroids. other candidate. His name was George was the party of Lincoln. That hasn’t The voters, the courts, and the States Bush, of course. And one of the saddest happened to this hour. have all spoken.’’ days was January 20th of 2001 when our Lincoln said: ‘‘. . . now that the elec- Five people said the election of 2000 candidate, who won the election, in my tion is over,’’ he asked, ‘‘may not all, was over. We didn’t agree with them. view, was not elected. But it was also having a common interest, reunite in a But Al Gore said: We are a nation of one of the proudest moments of my ca- common effort to save our common laws. Five people—yes, they were mem- reer because the greatest power on country?’’ bers of the Supreme Court, but they Earth passed peacefully from Bill Clin- Such is the duty of an American who were five people—said the election is ton to George W. Bush. stands for elections, or participates in over. I sat on that podium and saw that Not a shot was fired. Nobody as- our politics, to be either humble in tri- power transfer to George W. Bush. saulted this Caucus or this Congress or umph or gracious in defeat. MCCONNELL went on to say: ‘‘If we this Chamber. Because we were not dis- I have lost some elections—not too overrule them, it would damage our appointed? No. Because we were not many—and I have won a lot of elec- Republic forever.’’ angry? No. Because we believe in de- tions. I hope that I have been gracious He said that, MCCONNELL, the Repub- mocracy. We believe in ‘‘We the peo- in defeat and humble in victory. I hope lican leader of the Senate, about 2 ple.’’ that I put my State and my country hours ago, 3 hours ago, now 4 hours. One of the speakers, I think it was first, not myself. He went on to say: ‘‘If this election the Senator from Texas, expressed: We It is clear to all that the outgoing were overturned by mere allegations are here for the people. President has not followed the path from the losing side, our democracy If those were the people, we are in a that Stevenson and Lincoln urged. So, would enter a death spiral.’’ lot of trouble. we, the people—each one of us rep- He concluded: ‘‘It would be unfair Our electoral system, our democratic resents about 750,000 to 800,000 people, and wrong to disenfranchise American system, however, did not break under some a few less. The people, they have voters and overrule the courts and the the strains of the misinformation, the spoken in the way that our Constitu- States on this extraordinarily thin claims of fraud, which court after court tion set for them to be heard by us and basis. And I will not pretend such a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.022 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H87 vote would be a harmless protest ges- things I may not see fair or just, but b 2130 ture . . .’’ that is the way we should handle We will respect your opinion, we will How presciently he spoke. People things. respect what you say, and we are will- who think that the election has been The majority leader is right: We are ing to listen to it. I think the Nation stolen with some fraud, why do they all Americans first. will be better for it on both sides of the think it? Because the Commander in But we should also think for a mo- aisle. Let’s show the country the mob Chief said so, and they respect him and ment: What do we put on social media? did not win. We have a job to do. Let’s they follow him. And words matter. What do we convey to one another? do it with pride and let’s be better ‘‘Pete,’’ as he ended, ‘‘I will not pre- Just because you have a personal opin- when the sun rises tomorrow. tend such a vote would be a harmless ion different than mine, you have a Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I protest gesture while relying on others right to say it, but nobody has a right rise in opposition to the objection. to do the right thing. I will vote to re- to become a mob. And we all should The SPEAKER. The gentleman is spect the people’s decision and defend stand united in condemning the mob recognized for 5 minutes. our system of government as we know together. Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, over it.’’ We solve problems before our Nation, the last few hours, we have seen the I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on not through destruction, but through consequences of dangerous un-Amer- this objection, as MCCONNELL said, a debate. That is the heart of this democ- ican rhetoric; an armed insurrection danger to our democracy. racy. I know what we debate today is against the seat of government of the Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I tough, but it is just; it is right. most powerful country on Earth; a rise for a point of personal privilege to This isn’t the first side of the aisle breach of this Capitol building to at- address the House for 5 minutes. that has ever debated this issue. I tack Congress, something that has not The SPEAKER. The gentleman from thought of what Madam Speaker said taken place since the British occupied California is recognized for 5 minutes. back in 2005, ‘‘this is democracy at its this building during the War of 1812; an Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I best,’’ when they talked about a Presi- attempted coup spurred by rhetoric rise to address what happened in this dential election in Ohio. coming from those who are looking out Chamber today and where do we go These are the moments that we for themselves, not country. from here. should raise the issue about integrity It is stunning, Madam Speaker, that The violence, destruction, and chaos and accountability and accuracy in our there are some in this House who have we saw earlier was unacceptable, un- elections. But you know what we voiced support for what happened. It democratic, and un-American. It was should do, the next difference? Not just was not a protest. It was treason. It the saddest day I have ever had serving raise the issue, but work together to was sedition. And it should be pros- as a Member of this institution. solve the problems. ecuted as such. The Capitol was in chaos. Police offi- Now is the moment to show America At its root is a disease that has in- cers were attacked. Guns were drawn we can work best together. I will tell fected our politics, one that will make on this very floor. A woman tragically you, the size of the majority is slim, so some political leaders do anything, in- lost her life. it gives us the opportunity to make cluding lie and incite violence to hold No one wins when this building and that happen. The only thing that can on to power. That is what we are seeing what it stands for are destroyed. Amer- hold us back is the will of one another before our very eyes. ica, and this institution, is better than to do it. In contesting the outcome of this that. This side of the aisle always believes election, my Republican colleagues We saw the worst of America this in working with anybody who wants to make a contradictory argument that afternoon. Yet, in the midst of violence move it forward. That does not mean puts party and power before country. and fear, we also saw the best of Amer- that we are going to agree 100 percent They argue the election results were ica. of the time. That does not mean our valid when it showed they won their It starts with our law enforcement— voice cannot be heard. That does not races, but the same ballots were some- the Capitol Police, the National Guard, mean we cannot be treated fairly; we how fraudulent when it produced a re- the FBI, and the Secret Service—who should be. That may mean on the size sult President Trump did not like. faced the most difficult challenges but of committees, that means on our abil- Keep the results we like, they de- did their duty with confidence and ity to offer an amendment, that means mand, cancel the one we don’t. strength. Many of them are injured on our ability to have our voice. But at That is not how democracy works, right now. the end of the day, it helps us come to and neither is armed insurrection. It also extends to this Chamber, a better conclusion. Here is the truth: Arizona has a long where both Democrats and Republicans By returning here to complete the bipartisan record of conducting safe, showed courage, calm, and resolve. work we were sent to do, we are prov- secure, and fair elections. And I say I would like to recognize the Mem- ing that our democracy cannot be dis- that as someone whose party has more bers now who helped to hold the line: rupted by criminal behavior. We will often than not been on the losing end MARKWAYNE MULLIN, TONY GONZALES, not falter; we will not bend; and we of those elections. This last election JASON CROW, PAT FALLON, and TROY will not shrink from our duty. was, once again, safe and secure. And I NEHLS. Working with the Capitol Po- Let me be very clear: Mobs don’t rule commend our State and county elec- lice, they ensured the floor of this America. Laws rule America. It was tion officials, public servants on both Chamber was never breached. These are true when our cities were burning this sides of the aisle, for making Arizona the heroes among us. Thank you for summer, and it is true now. proud once again. the show of courage. When Americans go to bed tonight, We are here because the case that Re- Looking back on the past few hours, their lasting memory should not be a publicans have brought before us has it is clear this Congress will not be the Congress overrun by rioters. It must be failed in court over and over and over same after today, and I hope it will be a resolute Congress conducting healthy again. the better. I hope not just this institu- debate. My colleagues say: Let’s go back to tion, but I hope every American pauses We may disagree on a lot in America, the State, let them decide. for that moment and thinks among but tonight we should show the world My friends, Arizona has spoken. They themselves that we can disagree with that we will respectfully, but thor- have sent the correct electors. one another but not dislike each other; oughly, carry out the most basic duties Arizona’s Republican attorney gen- we can respect the voices of others. of democracy. eral, one of the most partisan in the There are many times we debate in We will continue with the task that country, said: ‘‘There is no evidence, this body, and we should. There are we have been sent here to do. We will there are no facts that would lead any- many times we can get heated. I still follow the Constitution and the law one to believe the election results will consider STENY HOYER a very good and the process for hearing valid con- change.’’ friend. There are times I get upset, and cerns about election integrity. We will The Republican speaker of our State I will call him at home to express the do it with respect. house has told us he doesn’t like the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.024 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H88 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 results of the election, but they are the This hallowed temple of democracy is of late ballots, and hand-stamping bal- right results. Joe Biden has won Ari- where generations of Americans have lots with the previous day’s date. zona. peacefully come together to face our My North Country constituents and The State supreme court, made up Nation’s greatest challenges, bridge the American people cherish the Con- entirely of justices appointed by Re- our deepest fissures, and create a more stitution. They know, according to the publican Governors, has spoken, too. perfect system of government. This is Constitution, elected officials closest The court said the President’s chal- the appropriate place we stand to re- to the people in State legislatures have lenge ‘‘fails to present any evidence of spectfully and peacefully give voice to the power of the pen to write election misconduct, illegal votes, or that the the people we represent across our di- law, not unelected bureaucrats, judges, Biden electors did not in fact receive verse country. Governors, or secretaries of state. the highest numbers of votes for of- The Representatives of the American To the tens of thousands of constitu- fice.’’ people in this House are standing up ents who have reached out to me, Look to the words of one of the for three fundamental American be- thank you. Please know that I am lis- President’s own campaign chairs in my liefs: The right to vote is sacred, that tening and I hear you, both those who State, our Governor, Doug Ducey. Our a Representative has a duty to rep- agree and those who disagree. Our Con- Governor loves the President. He has resent his or her constituents, and that stitutional Republic will endure this been so loyal. He made sure the Presi- the rule of law is a hallmark of our Na- tragic day because the Founding Fa- dent could hold large rallies in our tion. thers understood Congress and the State in the middle of a pandemic. The And in the spirit of healing—those American people would face unprece- Governor personally attended them. are not my words—those are the words dented and historic challenges by de- They spoke so often that the Governor of you, Madam Speaker, from this very bating them on this very floor. gave the President a special ‘‘Hail to Chamber, when some of my colleagues I believe that the most precious foun- the Chief’’ ring tone on his phone. and friends across the aisle objected to dation and the covenant of our Repub- After election day, as the legal chal- the 2005 electoral college certification. lic is the right to vote, and the faith in lenges played out, the Governor kept In fact, there were objections on this the sanctity of our Nation’s free and quiet; but when the truth became floor to the certification of nearly fair elections. We must work together clear, even he acknowledged ‘‘Joe every Republican President in my life- in this House to rebuild that faith so Biden did win Arizona.’’ time: In 1989, in 2001, in 2005, and in that all our elections are free, fair, se- I am grateful that, in this instance, 2017. cure, safe and, most importantly, that the Governor put law, not partisan pol- So history is our guide that the peo- they are according to the United itics, first. And I urge my colleagues in ple’s sacred House is the appropriate States Constitution. the House to follow his lead. venue for a peaceful debate. And this Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I rise in Each and every one of us in this peaceful debate serves as a powerful opposition to the objection. House, the people’s House, swore an condemnation to the violence that per- The SPEAKER. The gentleman is oath to preserve, protect, and defend petrated our Capitol grounds today. recognized for 5 minutes. our Constitution against all enemies, The violence that was truly un-Amer- Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, today, the foreign and domestic. Over the last few ican. people’s House was attacked, which is hours, we have gained a better under- Today’s discussion is about the Con- an attack on the Republic itself. There standing of what that means. stitution and it is about the American is no excuse for it. A women died. And The future of the Constitution, the people, but it must also be about clear- people need to go to jail. And the Presi- most precious of the founding docu- ly and resolutely condemning the vio- dent should never have spun up certain ments of the greatest democracy lence that occurred today. Americans to believe something that human kind has ever known, is in our I am honored each and every day to simply cannot be. hands. Defending democracy is not, and represent New York’s 21st Congres- I applaud House leadership of both should not be, a partisan task. It is a sional District, and I believe it is my parties for bringing us back to do our sacred one. Right here, right now, we solemn and sacred duty to serve as job, which is to count the electors and must recognize that fidelity to the their voice and their vote in the peo- no more. founding principles of our Nation are ple’s House. The problem we face, though, is even not about loyalty to one man, but rath- Tens of millions of Americans are bigger. We are deeply divided. We are er to ensure that government of the concerned that the 2020 election fea- divided about even life, liberty, and the people, by the people, and for the peo- tured unconstitutional overreach by pursuit of happiness. The words which ple shall not perish from the Earth. unelected State officials and judges ig- used to bind us together now, at times, The world is watching us all right noring State election laws. We can and tear us apart because we disagree now. We must get it right. Reject this we should peacefully and respectfully about what they even mean. ill-conceived attack on our democracy. discuss these concerns. My constituents at home in Texas Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I In Pennsylvania, the State supreme are genuinely upset. I say to my col- rise to support the objection. court and secretary of state unilater- leagues on the other side of the aisle, The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman is ally and unconstitutionally rewrote we have a constant barrage of those recognized for 5 minutes. election law eliminating signature who wish to remake America into a so- Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I matching requirements. cialist welfare State, efforts to attack rise with a heavy heart. This has been In Georgia, there was constitutional our institutions, tear down statues, a truly tragic day for America. We all overreach when the secretary of state erase our history, defund our police. join together in fully condemning the unilaterally and unconstitutionally We have seen the debasing of our lan- dangerous violence and destruction gutted signature matching for absentee guage. We teach our children that that occurred today in our Nation’s ballots and, in essence, eliminated America is evil. We destroy our sov- Capitol. voter verification required by State ereignty, empower cartels. We attack Americans will always have their election law. our Second Amendment. We destroy freedom of speech and the constitu- In Wisconsin, officials issued illegal small businesses through lockdowns. tional right to protest, but violence in rules to circumvent a State law, passed We divide ourselves by race. We can’t any form is absolutely unacceptable. It by the legislature as the Constitution even agree that there is man and is anti-America, and must be pros- requires, but required absentee voters woman. We extinguish the unborn be- ecuted to the fullest extent of the law. to provide further identification before fore they even have a chance to see Thank you to the heroic United obtaining a ballot. daylight. States Capitol Police. And thank you In Michigan, signed affidavits docu- But at the heart of our path forward to the bipartisan professional staff of ment numerous unconstitutional irreg- lies the essence of our Republic, its the United States Capitol for pro- ularities: Officials physically blocking cornerstone. That we are a union of tecting the people’s House and the the legal right of poll watchers to ob- States bound together for common de- American people. serve vote counts, the illegal counting fense and economic strength, and more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.026 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H89 so bound together through federalism Many States made poor policy deci- As an aside, I have seen higher per- in which we may live together peace- sions. Whether these poor policy deci- centages in other studies. fully as citizens in this vast land agree- sions violate State laws is a contested Exhibit E. The 2010 Census counted 11 ing to disagree, free to live according matter and a matter for the States to million illegal aliens in America. to our own beliefs and according to the resolve for themselves. Exhibit F. A 2018 Yale study esti- dictates of our conscience. More, five of the six legislatures are mated as many as 22 million illegal Now, many of my colleagues were controlled by Republicans. Not one aliens in America. poised this afternoon to vote to insert body has sent separate electors. Not Exhibit G. The math means between Congress into the constitutionally pre- one body has sent us even a letter by a 880,000 and 1.72 million illegal aliens il- scribed decisionmaking of the States majority of its whole body. The only legally voted in the 2020 elections. by rejecting the sole official electors body, the Pennsylvania Senate, who Exhibit H. In 2014, Old Dominion Uni- sent to us by each of the States of the managed to come up with a majority of versity and George Mason University Union. I hope they will reconsider. Republicans to complain only did so professors surveyed noncitizens and il- I can tell you that I was not going to, yesterday in an eleventh-hour face-sav- legal aliens and found they vote Demo- and I will not be voting to reject the ing political statement. Not one GOP crat roughly 80 percent of the time. electors. And that vote may well sign statewide official has formally called Exhibit I. The math is again my political death warrant, but so be on us to change. Not one law enforce- straightforward. The 60 percent Biden it. I swore an oath to uphold the Con- ment organization, State or Federal, advantage times the illegal alien vot- stitution of the United States, and I has presented a case of malfeasance. ing number means Joe Biden gained will not bend its words into contor- History will judge this moment. roughly 1,032,000 votes from illegal tions for personal political expediency. Let us not turn the last firewall for alien voting. That is the high number. Number one, rejecting the electors liberty we have remaining on its head Exhibit J. While no one knows for certified to Congress by sovereign in a fit of populist rage for political ex- sure how massive the illegal alien vot- States violates the 12th Amendment pediency when there is plenty of look- ing bloc is, we do know Joe Biden and and the entirety of the Constitution it ing into the mirror for Republicans to his campaign believed it large enough amends, notwithstanding claims that do for destroying our election systems and critical enough to winning the you must read certain sections first. It with expansion of mail-in ballots. Presidential race that, at the October is clear, it is black and white, we I may well get attacked for this, but 22 Presidential debate, Joe Biden pub- count. It is ministerial. And our only I will not abandon my oath to the Con- licly solicited the illegal alien bloc job is to count the electors before us. stitution. And I will make clear that I vote by promising: ‘‘Within 100 days, I We have only one slate of electors per am standing up in defense of that Con- am going to send to the United States State sent to us under color of law, and stitution to protect our federalist order Congress a pathway to citizenship for no more. and the electoral college, which em- over 11 million undocumented people.’’ Number two, to the extent you be- powers the very States we represent to Ladies and gentlemen, Madam lieve we do have constitutional author- stand athwart the long arm of this Speaker, that is the pot of gold at the ity to reject, we are arguing using in- Federal Government by its very design. end of the rainbow for illegal aliens. complete and often misleading data Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Madam Joe Biden knew exactly what he was points to prove it. I am not afforded Speaker, I rise in support of the objec- doing by seeking the illegal alien bloc time to go point by point, but there are tion. vote. After all, on May 11, 1993, then- more misleading claims than legiti- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Senator Joe Biden voted for the Na- mate ones. Alabama is recognized for 5 minutes. tional Voter Registration Act, which Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Madam makes it illegal to require proof of citi- b 2145 Speaker, for years, Democrats and zenship from illegal aliens and other Three, rejecting the electors ignores their media allies deceived America noncitizens when they seek to register the Founder’s specific admonition that about Trump-Russian collusion and the to vote. Congress not choose the President, as extent of foreign interference in the Madam Speaker, the evidence is com- articulated in Federalist No. 68. 2016 elections. Yet, in 2020, Democrats pelling and irrefutable. Noncitizens Four, indeed, the Founders drafted promoted massive foreign interference overwhelmingly voted for Joe Biden in the inclusion of a phrase specifically in American elections by helping ille- exchange for the promised amnesty and putting Congress into the manner of gal aliens and other noncitizens vote in citizenship and in so doing helped steal the election process then specifically American elections, thereby canceling the election from Donald Trump, Re- rejected it. the votes of and stealing elections from publican candidates, and American Five, if more than a trivial bloc of American citizens. citizens across America. this body votes to reject a sovereign Want evidence? Exhibit A. In 1993, Madam Speaker, in my judgment, if State’s electors, it will irrevocably em- Democrats rammed through Congress only lawful votes cast by eligible power Congress to take over the selec- the National Voter Registration Act, American citizens are counted, Joe tion of Presidential electors, and doing making it illegal—illegal—to require Biden lost and President Trump won so will almost certainly guarantee fu- proof of citizenship that prevents ille- the electoral college. ture Houses will vote to reject the elec- gal aliens and noncitizens from reg- As such, it is my constitutional duty tors of Texas or any of our States for istering to vote. to promote honest and accurate elec- whatever reason. Why did Democrats do that? Simple. tions by rejecting electoral college Six, voting to reject the electors is To steal elections, of course. vote submissions from States whose not remotely consistent with our vote Exhibit B. How bad is the noncitizen electoral systems are so badly flawed on Sunday, a vote I forced to highlight voting problem? In 2005, Democrat as to render their vote submissions un- the very hypocrisy: to accept the out- President Jimmy Carter’s Commission reliable, untrustworthy, and unworthy come of the election of ourselves on Federal Election Reform warned of acceptance. through elections conducted under the that ‘‘noncitizens have registered to Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, as a same rules, by procedures put in place vote in several recent elections’’ and proud Republican, I rise in opposition by the same executive branch officials, recommended that ‘‘all States should to the objection to the electorate. impacted by rulings from the same use their best efforts to obtain proof of The SPEAKER. The gentleman from judges, State and Federal. To do so is citizenship before registering voters.’’ New York is recognized for 5 minutes. entirely inexplicable on its face. Exhibit C. A June 2005 General Ac- Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I come Seven, the argument for rejection countability Office report discovered to this side of the aisle as a proud Re- most given by my colleagues is based that up to 3 percent of people on voter publican but, most importantly, as a on the allegations of systemic election registration lists are not U.S. citizens. proud American. abuse by executive or judicial branch Exhibit D. In 2008, Electoral Studies Today, we saw an assault on our de- officials interfering with the ‘‘legisla- surveyed 339 noncitizens. Eight percent mocracy. I love this institution. I love tures thereof’’ in Article II. admitted voting in American elections. the United States Congress, and I love

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Let us pause that our poenas post-election to get information power that says we settle our dif- tenure in this Congress will far surpass from the Maricopa County board on ferences not with mob rule; we settle the time that we stay here. And let us various election matters, but the board our difference through elections. And pause and cast our votes today recog- and the courts refused to help at all to when those elections are over, we have nizing that what we do here today will let the State senate complete its con- a peaceful transition of power. set the course of this institution for stitutional duties. Now, make no mistake to my col- years to come. In Pennsylvania, where State legisla- leagues on the Democratic side of the This institution, Madam Speaker, tors wrote us about their powers being aisle, I will be passionate in my dis- shall not fail because the United States usurped, the Democrat majority on the agreement with you. I will be pas- of America shall forever be the beacon State supreme court changed signa- sionate in my ideas for the future of of hope, the inspiration to all. ture, signature matching and postal this country, and I will fight for my May God bless our great country. marking requirements. The date to Republican ideas that I hold near and Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, I rise submit mail-in ballots was extended dear. But I will stand with you tonight in support of the objection. contradictory to the date set by State and send a message to the Nation and The SPEAKER. The gentleman from law. all Americans that what we saw today New York is recognized for 5 minutes. The State legislature expanded no- was not American, and what we see to- Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, my excuse mail-in balloting without a con- night in this body shall be what we do constitutional oath is sacred, and I stitutional amendment. Constitutions in America, and that is to transfer have a duty to speak out about con- apply to the acts of all branches of gov- power in a peaceful way. firmed evidence-filled issues with the ernment. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Will the gen- administration of the 2020 Presidential The issue was magnified by the voter tleman yield? election in certain battleground rolls being so inaccurate that more Mr. REED. I yield to the gentleman States. voters submitted ballots than there from New Jersey. Signature verification, ballot obser- were registered voters. Signature au- Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, vation, voter roll integrity, voter ID thentication rules for absentee and I thank my friend for yielding and for requirements, and ballot collection mail-in ballots were weakened by the standing with me and with all of us. protections were weakened on top of Democrat secretary of the Common- TOM REED is my co-chair of the Prob- the millions of mailboxes that were wealth without authorization. Ballot lem Solvers Caucus. He is a Repub- flooded with unrequested mail-in bal- defects were allowed to be cured in lican, and I am a Democrat. When it lots. some counties but not others. There comes to policy views, we often dis- Many of my constituents have been were poll watchers denied the ability agree. But at the end of the day, we are outraged and demanding that I voice to closely observe ballot counting oper- united as Americans. My good friend, their objections here today. ations. like me, always puts country first. This debate is necessary because In Georgia, the secretary of state Today, a group of lawless thugs rogue election officials, secretaries of unilaterally entered into a settlement sought to upend the Constitution and state, and courts circumvented State agreement with the Democratic Party, the peaceful transition of power be- election laws. They made massive changing statutory requirements for cause they didn’t like the outcome of changes to how their State’s election confirming voter identity. Challenging the Presidential election. So, they would be run. These acts, among other defective signatures was made far more tried to nullify it using improvised ex- issues, were unlawful and unconstitu- difficult, and the settlement even re- plosives, shattering windows, breaking tional. quired election officials to consider down doors, injuring law enforcement, Congress has the duty to defend the issuing training materials drafted by and even tearing down the American Constitution and any powers of State an expert retained by the Democratic flag that rises above this beacon of de- legislatures that were usurped. Party. mocracy. Some claim today’s objections set In Wisconsin, election officials as- But their attempt to obstruct democ- new precedent by challenging State sisted voters on how to circumvent the racy failed. Their insurrection was electors. That claim, of course, ignores State’s voter ID laws and signature foiled. The American people and the that Democrats have objected every verification laws, while also placing greatest democracy the world has ever time a Republican Presidential can- unmanned drop boxes in locations known won. didate has won an election over the picked to boost Democrat turnout. The Abraham Lincoln, who served in this past generation. If you don’t have any Democracy in the Park event in Wis- very body, famously said: ‘‘A house di- observations today, that is your call, consin had over 17,000 ballots trans- vided against itself cannot stand.’’ but don’t lecture about precedent. ferred that shouldn’t have been. That is why, for the sake of this coun- Over the past 4 years, Democrats These are all facts and certainly not try, we must stand together, united, boycotted President Trump’s inaugura- ‘‘evidence free.’’ and celebrate a peaceful transition of tion and State of the Union Addresses, Americans deserve nothing less than power. pushed the Trump-Russia collusion full faith and confidence in their elec- In 14 days, President-elect Biden will conspiracies and investigations and tions and a guarantee that their vote— be sworn in. And despite all of our dif- knowingly lied about it, voted to im- their voice—counts and that their con- ferences, I have faith that, for the peach the President before even know- cerns are being heard. That is why we American people, we will come to- ing what to impeach him for, and then need to have this debate today, wheth- gether, Democrats and Republicans, actually passed Articles of Impeach- er you like it or not. committed to unity, civility, and ment before Senate Democrats voted to This isn’t about us. This is about our truth. We will recognize our higher remove him from office. Constitution, our elections. This is purpose to help America through these Today’s debate is necessary, espe- about our people and our Republic. dark days. cially because of the insistence that Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I That is the only way we will beat everything President Trump and his rise in opposition to the objection. COVID, rebuild our economy, and stand supporters say about the 2020 election The SPEAKER. The gentleman from up to threats at home and abroad. is evidence-free. That is simply not Arizona is recognized for 5 minutes. Working together as Democrats and true. Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I Republicans, I know our best days will No one can honestly claim it is evi- am the proud son of immigrants. Grow- always be ahead of us. dence-free. When I say that, in Arizona, ing up, I heard stories about parties,

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In the fourth circuit, dissenting I never thought I would have to do Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. judges Wilkinson and Agee said this: that on the floor of Congress, but here Madam Speaker, it has been quite a ‘‘Let’s understand the strategy that is we are. The people have spoken, and day. And in contrast to the gentle- being deployed here . . . Our country is the power of the people, the Constitu- man’s comments just now, I couldn’t now plagued with a proliferation of tion, will be preserved. get over this text that I received from preelection litigation.’’ And as they Madam Speaker, I left my youth, I the mayor of Charlotte, Vi Lyles, put it, 385 election year cases to that left my sanity, I left it all in Iraq for about 30 minutes ago. She is a progres- point on October 20, and they referred this country because there is this one sive Democrat, a political opponent for to the website healthyelections.org to precious idea that we all had, that we years, a tremendous and graceful per- verify that. ‘‘Around the country,’’ they wrote, all believed: that this country was son. She said: going to protect everyone’s individual ‘‘courts are changing the rules of the Representative Bishop, I hope you are safe rights, that you were going to be able upcoming elections at the last minute. and well. It must have been a day of anguish It makes the promise of the Constitu- to vote, that you were going to be able for the world to see our Capitol buildings to preserve democracy and pass it on as under siege. I know you have a long night tion’s Elections and Electors Clauses a legacy, as an inheritance to every ahead and want you to know I was thinking into a farce.’’ American. about you, your family, and staff. This was a political operation But today—today—there was treason God bless. masquerading as a judicial one. And in in this House. Today, there were trai- Vi. keeping with that, it featured gross tors in this House. Back home, the generosity of spirit breaches of litigation ethics: forum So I am not asking my Republican still exists. shopping, repetitive suits after losses, colleagues to help me and stop this ob- And I understand the sharp words and collusive settlements with cooper- jection to Arizona; I am asking you to and feelings on the other side tonight, ating Democratic officials of State and get off all these objections. It is time but there are also good people back local governments. That is what led to officials changing for you to save your soul. It is time for home, and I have heard from many, the rules in State after State, mainly you to save your country. many, many of them. through consent orders, or the prelimi- That man at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave- News would suggest there are mil- nary, unreviewed decisions of State nue will forget you. He will use you lions of Americans—that is a big num- and Federal trial judges inclined by and he will dump you to the side, but ber—millions, tens of millions, who be- what will be left will be the stain—the partisanship or having limited experi- lieve something went awry in this elec- ence with the Electoral Clause. stain—on democracy that you are en- tion. And they aren’t dumb. They gaging in right now. In turn, the displacement of rules set aren’t mindless. They don’t believe by State legislatures led to chaotic Listen to yourselves. I consider most things simply because the President of you very smart, believe it or not, conditions on the ground, about which says them. There were problems. so many Americans are angry and dis- but the idea that we would rig an elec- I know that Joe Biden will be Presi- tion for the President but not preserve heartened. dent, but I don’t know that it hurts or I think we can do better. I think that the congressional seats for all of our would hurt any of us to have the gen- strategy was unwise, and I think, par- friends that we just lost in the last erosity of spirit to continue to reflect ticularly in light of what has happened election is absurd. on what might be better or what might here today, we should. The idea that we would help Vice seriously have gone wrong here, even if Mr. O’HALLERAN. Madam Speaker, President Biden win but wouldn’t make you reject the notion that the result I rise tonight in opposition to the ob- sure that we got enough Senators in was wrong. jection. the Senate for us to pass a full agenda I would like to offer a slightly dif- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from is absurd. ferent perspective, a distinct perspec- Arizona is recognized for 5 minutes. The idea that there was somehow ne- tive. Perhaps it will be rejected. I Mr. O’HALLERAN. Madam Speaker, farious border registration in Arizona think if I were sitting on the other side as a nation, we have endured trying that tipped the scale when, during that of the aisle, it would be very difficult times and overcome many challenges, same time of border registration, there for me to listen to tonight, but you all and now we face an unprecedented ef- were more registered voters that were have heard it said, and it certainly is fort to ignore the will of the American Republicans than Democrats is absurd. people and the people of Arizona. Given You are better than this. Many of true, that many executive branch offi- cials around the Nation departed from the facts and the unprecedented events you did serve, many of you have never of tonight, this effort must be finished, served, but there is an opportunity and State legislatures’ enacted laws. I know it is less understood how this and America can be united again. That a time for courage. I hope you never is going to take leadership. came to pass. have to face fire or bullets or bombs for We are all leaders. your country, but right now—right It was not a spontaneous, inde- We are elected to be leaders. And if now—this country is asking you to be pendent decisionmaking, but it re- we are going to do that, we have to do better. Right now, this country is ask- sulted, I would argue, from a coordi- it from respect to others, the idea that ing you to show courage. nated, nationwide partisan plan. And truth is important, that factual con- That man will leave. Your soul will the fact and scope of the plan really tent is important, that we are going to stay with you for the rest of your life. isn’t disputed. tell the American people what is going You owe it to democracy. You owe it If you go to democracydocket.com, it on in this country and not what we to the hundreds and thousands of men is the website of Marc Elias, the na- hope they hear from a 30-second sound and women that have sacrificed their tional Democratic election lawyer who bite. life. appeared in hundreds of cases across I used to be a homicide investigator. You know better. You are better. Be the country in the course of the elec- My job was to follow the facts, develop the good American. Be the American tion year. a case, make decisions and rec- you want. Preserve this democracy; re- This plan was not a response to ommendations based on where those ject this movement; and stop this ter- COVID, by the way. It preexisted that. facts led me. Following the process rorism that is happening from the And his website shows that as well. He means that decisions cannot be made White House. explained that in January of 2020. on rumors and innuendos alone. The SPEAKER. Members are re- It was a chaos strategy, a plan to I am proud to say that Arizona has minded to address their remarks to the flood State and Federal courts with used mail-in voting for over two dec- Chair. hundreds of simultaneous election year ades. Both Republicans and Democrats

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.031 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H92 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 have long been proud of how our State American public only serves to weaken that some of the people who breached has administered elections. us and make us vulnerable to foreign the Capitol today were not Trump sup- In 2020, over 65 percent of eligible Ar- actors who do us harm. For the good of porters. They were masquerading as izonans voted, a record number. Our our country, this must stop. Now is the Trump supporters, and, in fact, were Republican Governor, Republican at- time to come together to preserve our members of the violent terrorist group torney general, Democratic secretary democracy and to protect our national antifa. of state, and our State’s election ad- security. Now, we should seek to build Amer- ministrators and volunteers worked I know my constituents are looking ica up, not tear her down and destroy with integrity to administer a fair to Congress to move past its divisions, her. And I am sure glad that, at least election. find common ground, and pass legisla- for one day, I didn’t hear my Democrat We saw turnout increases in both Re- tion to improve the lives of struggling colleagues calling to defund the police. publican and Democratic areas, and, in families. We must stay focused on Now, I appreciate all the talk of com- fact, more Republicans registered in fighting the pandemic. We must work ing together, but let us not pretend this election than any other party. I to ensure all Americans can be vac- that our colleagues on the left have am proud that many of our Tribal, cinated as soon as possible so we can been free of some antidemocratic im- rural, and underserved communities save American lives, safely reopen pulses. Just because we signed on to voted in record numbers, all during a schools, get people back to work, and legal briefs and asked courts to resolve pandemic. In 2020, Arizonans made visit loved ones again. I urge my col- disputes, there were some on the left their voices heard. leagues to follow this. who said that we should not even be The fact is, multiple Federal and Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, I rise seated in the body, that we ought to be State judges, agencies, and State elect- in support of the objection. prosecuted, maybe even jailed. Those ed officials concluded the winner was The SPEAKER. The gentleman from arguments anger people. Joe Biden. Florida is recognized for 5 minutes. But people do understand the con- In Arizona, this process was adminis- Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, one of cepts of basic fairness, and no competi- tered and overseen by officials from the first things we did when the House tion, contest, or election can be both parties. Election officials con- convened today was to join together to deemed fair if the participants are sub- ducted random, hand-counted audits of extend our grace and our kindness and ject to different rules. many precincts that confirmed there our concern for a colleague who has ex- Baseball teams that cheat and steal were no errors that would change the perienced just an insurmountable signs should be stripped of their cham- result of the election. amount of grief with his family. And I pionships. Russian Olympians who The fact is that the Republican want all of our fellow Americans cheat and use steroids should be chairman of Maricopa County, the watching to know that we did that be- stripped of their medals. And States largest Republican county in the State, cause we care about each other and we that do not run clean elections should the biggest population county, stated: don’t want bad things to happen to be stripped of their electors. ‘‘More than 2 million ballots were cast each other, and our heart hurts when This fraud was systemic; it was re- in Maricopa County, and there is no they do. peated; it was the same system; and, I evidence of fraud or misconduct or Now, I am sure there are plenty of dare say, it was effective. We saw cir- malfunction.’’ folks over there who don’t like me too cumstances where, when Democrat He concluded: ‘‘No matter how you much and there are few of them that I operatives couldn’t get the outcomes voted, this election was administered don’t care for too much. But if anybody they wanted in State legislatures, with integrity, transparency, and in had been hurt today, it would have when they couldn’t get the job done accordance with State laws.’’ been even more of a catastrophe than there, they went and pressured and liti- The fact is, the President, his cam- we already saw, and I think that is an gated and usurped the Constitution paign, and several Republican-led important point for the country. with extra-constitutional action of groups filed eight election lawsuits, all Another important point for the some officials in some States. They of which were dismissed. The Arizona country is that this morning, President fraudulently laundered ballots, votes, Supreme Court, a body where all jus- Trump explicitly called for demonstra- voter registration forms, and then they tices have been appointed by Repub- tions and protests to be peaceful. He limited review. lican Governors, unanimously dis- was far more—you can moan and In 2016, Democrats found out that missed the case. groan, but he was far more explicit they couldn’t beat Donald Trump at about his calls for peace than some of the ballot box with voters who actually 2215 b the BLM and leftwing rioters were this show up, so they turned to impeach- The justices found that the party had summer when we saw violence sweep ment and the witness box. And when ‘‘failed to present any evidence of ‘mis- across this Nation. that failed, they ran to the mailbox, conduct,’ or ‘illegal votes’ . . . let Now, we came here today to debate, where this election saw an unprece- alone establish any degree of fraud or a to follow regular order, to offer an ob- dented amount of votes that could not significant error rate that would un- jection, to follow a process that is ex- be authenticated with true ID, with dermine the certainty of the election pressly contemplated in our Constitu- true signature match, and with true results.’’ tion; and for doing that, we got called confidence for the American people. After these judicial rulings, the Gov- a bunch of seditious traitors. Our Article III courts have failed by ernor said: ‘‘I trust our election sys- Now, not since 1985 has a Republican not holding evidentiary hearings to tem. There’s integrity in our election President been sworn in absent some weigh the evidence. We should not join system.’’ Democrat effort to object to the elec- in that failure. We should vindicate the The fact is, Joe Biden is the certified tors; but when we do it, it is the new rights of States. We should vindicate winner of Arizona’s 11 electoral votes. violation of all norms. And when those the subpoenas in Arizona that have Arizona’s elected and appointed offi- things are said, people get angry. been issued to get a hold of these vot- cials from both parties followed the Now, I know there are many coun- ing machines, and we should reject facts and came to this conclusion. I tries where political violence may be these electors. urge my colleagues to do the same. necessary, but America is not one such Ms. DEGETTE. Madam Speaker, I To my colleagues across the aisle, I country. rise in opposition to the objection. know we may disagree on who we want Madam Speaker, it was wrong when The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman as President, but what we personally people vandalized and defaced your from Colorado is recognized for 5 min- want is not what matters here. Rather, home. It was wrong when thugs went to utes. the people’s influence, as reflected in Senator HAWLEY’s home. And I don’t Ms. DEGETTE. Madam Speaker, I am the certified electoral college results, know if the reports are true, but The very pleased to yield my time to the is what matters. Facts matter. Washington Times has just reported gentleman from Arizona (Mr. GRI- Undermining faith in our election some pretty compelling evidence from JALVA), the dean of the Arizona delega- process by attempting to mislead the a facial recognition company showing tion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:07 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.033 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H93 Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, on Johnson (TX) Moolenaar Sewell thank the gentlewoman from Colorado that I demand the yeas and nays. Jones Mooney Sherman Joyce (OH) Moore (UT) Sherrill for yielding time. The SPEAKER. Pursuant to section Kahele Moore (WI) Simpson I will be very brief, Madam Speaker. 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and Kaptur Morelle Sires There is really nothing left to say. This nays are ordered. Katko Moulton Slotkin Keating Mrvan challenge brought by Members of this The vote was taken by electronic de- Smith (NJ) Keller Murphy (FL) Smith (WA) House, Republican Members from this vice, and there were—yeas 121, nays Kelly (IL) Murphy (NC) Smucker House from Arizona and a Senator 303, not voting 7, as follows: Khanna Nadler Soto from Texas, the whole discussion Kildee Napolitano Spanberger [Roll No. 10] Kilmer Neal today, this challenge to the 11 electoral Spartz YEAS—121 Kim (NJ) Neguse Speier votes that are designated for President Kind Newhouse Aderholt Gaetz Mast Stanton Kinzinger Newman Biden and Vice President Harris, the Allen Garcia (CA) Stauber McCarthy Kirkpatrick Norcross Arrington Gibbs Stefanik discussion today proves there is no McClain Krishnamoorthi O’Halleran Babin Gimenez Steil merit to denying those electoral votes. Miller (IL) Kuster Ocasio-Cortez Baird Gohmert Stevens Miller (WV) Kustoff Omar There is no legal standing. The courts Banks Good (VA) Stewart Moore (AL) LaHood Owens have proven that in Arizona time and Bergman Gooden (TX) Stivers Mullin Lamb Pallone Bice (OK) Gosar Strickland time again. There is no precedent. Nehls Langevin Panetta Biggs Graves (MO) Suozzi There was no constitutional violation. Norman Larsen (WA) Pappas Bishop (NC) Green (TN) Swalwell Nunes Larson (CT) Pascrell But we are here today, Madam Boebert Greene (GA) Takano Obernolte Latta Payne Bost Griffith Taylor Speaker, because of one man and those Palazzo Lawrence Pelosi Brooks Guest Thompson (CA) who are desperate to please him. Palmer Lawson (FL) Pence Budd Hagedorn Thompson (MS) Perry Lee (CA) Perlmutter So what do we have to show for this Burchett Harris Pfluger Lee (NV) Peters Thompson (PA) process today? Fear, a lockdown, vio- Burgess Harshbarger Posey Leger Fernandez Phillips Titus Calvert Hartzler lence, and, regrettably and sadly, Reschenthaler Levin (CA) Pingree Tonko Cammack Hern Torres (CA) death, arrests, present and real danger, Rice (SC) Levin (MI) Pocan Carl Herrell Torres (NY) Rogers (AL) Lieu Porter threats, an assault on our institution, Carter (GA) Hice (GA) Trahan Rogers (KY) Lofgren Pressley Carter (TX) Higgins (LA) this House, this Congress, and the very Lowenthal Price (NC) Trone Cawthorn Hudson Rose democracy that we practice here. Luria Quigley Turner Cline Issa Rosendale And to what end? What did we ac- Lynch Raskin Underwood Cloud Jackson Rouzer Mace Reed Upton complish? Clyde Jacobs (NY) Rutherford Malinowski Rice (NY) Van Duyne Cole Johnson (LA) Scalise The reality is that the challenges Maloney, Richmond Vargas Crawford Johnson (OH) Sessions will be defeated. Come January 20, Carolyn B. Rodgers (WA) Veasey Davidson Jordan Smith (MO) Maloney, Sean Ross Vela President Biden and Vice President DesJarlais Joyce (PA) Smith (NE) Manning Roy Vela´ zquez Harris will be the President and Vice Diaz-Balart Kelly (MS) Steube Massie Roybal-Allard Wagner Donalds Kelly (PA) Tiffany President of the United States. Matsui Ruiz Waltz Duncan LaMalfa Timmons So what have we accomplished? To McBath Ruppersberger Wasserman Dunn Lamborn Van Drew McCaul Rush Schultz further divide this Nation? To continue Estes LaTurner Walberg McClintock Ryan Waters Fallon Lesko Walorski to fan the same rhetoric of division and McCollum Sa´ nchez Watson Coleman Fischbach Long Weber (TX) us versus them? To paralyze and dis- McEachin Sarbanes Welch Fitzgerald Loudermilk Webster (FL) McGovern Scanlon Wenstrup mantle our democracy? Is that what we Fleischmann Lucas Williams (TX) McHenry Schakowsky Westerman attempted to accomplish today? Franklin, C. Luetkemeyer Wilson (SC) McKinley Schiff Wexton Scott Malliotakis Wright The mob that attacked this institu- McNerney Schneider Wild Fulcher Mann Zeldin tion, I hold no Member specifically re- Meeks Schrader Williams (GA) sponsible for that madness that was NAYS—303 Meijer Schrier Wilson (FL) Meng Schweikert Wittman around us, but we do share a responsi- Adams Cicilline Fortenberry Meuser Scott (VA) Womack bility, my friends, to end it. It is past Aguilar Clark (MA) Foster Mfume Scott, Austin Yarmuth time to accept reality, to reaffirm our Allred Clarke (NY) Foxx Miller-Meeks Scott, David Young Amodei Cleaver Frankel, Lois democracy and move on. Armstrong Clyburn Fudge NOT VOTING—7 I would urge my colleagues from Ari- Auchincloss Cohen Gallagher Bilirakis Hastings Tlaib zona who filed this challenge to with- Axne Comer Gallego Brady Kim (CA) draw their challenge to this, to Arizona Bacon Connolly Garamendi Granger Steel Balderson Cooper Garbarino and to the electors that have been cho- Barr Correa Garcı´a (IL) b 2308 sen to give their 11 votes to the win- Barraga´ n Costa Garcia (TX) ners in that election. Bass Courtney Golden Messrs. MOONEY, WITTMAN, Beatty Craig Gomez VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas, But if that doesn’t happen, then I Bentz Crenshaw Gonzales, Tony would urge my colleagues to reject this Bera Crist Gonzalez (OH) YOUNG, and GROTHMAN changed challenge and defend all voters, defend Beyer Crow Gonzalez, their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ the voters of Arizona and that democ- Bishop (GA) Cuellar Vicente Messrs. JOHNSON of Ohio, Blumenauer Curtis Gottheimer racy that we practice daily in the rep- Blunt Rochester Davids (KS) Graves (LA) RESCHENTHALER, and Mrs. resentation of our constituents. That is Bonamici Davis, Danny K. Green, Al (TX) WALORSKI changed their vote from what is at stake today. Bourdeaux Davis, Rodney Grijalva ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Bowman Dean Grothman E So the objection was not agreed to. Ms. D GETTE. Madam Speaker, on Boyle, Brendan DeFazio Guthrie Sunday, every Member in this Chamber F. DeGette Haaland The result of the vote was announced took an oath to uphold the Constitu- Brown DeLauro Harder (CA) as above recorded. tion, and there is only one vote tonight Brownley DelBene Hayes A motion to reconsider was laid on Buchanan Delgado Herrera Beutler for those who took that oath, and that Buck Demings Higgins (NY) the table. vote is to reject this challenge. Bucshon DeSaulnier Hill Stated against: The SPEAKER. All time for debate Bush Deutch Himes Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I has expired. Bustos Dingell Hinson was unavoidably detained. Had I been Butterfield Doggett Hollingsworth The question is, Shall the objection Carbajal Doyle, Michael Horsford present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall to the Arizona electoral college vote Ca´ rdenas F. Houlahan No. 10. count submitted by the gentleman Carson Emmer Hoyer The SPEAKER. The Clerk will now Cartwright Escobar Huffman from Arizona (Mr. GOSAR) and the Sen- Case Eshoo Huizenga notify the Senate of the action of the ator from Texas (Mr. CRUZ) be agreed Casten Espaillat Jackson Lee House, informing that body that the to. Castor (FL) Evans Jacobs (CA) House is now ready to proceed in joint The question was taken; and the Castro (TX) Feenstra Jayapal session with the further counting of Chabot Ferguson Jeffries Speaker announced that the noes ap- Cheney Fitzpatrick Johnson (GA) the electoral vote for the President and peared to have it. Chu Fletcher Johnson (SD) the Vice President.

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER State of Arizona will be counted as pro- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The SPEAKER. To remind both sides vided therein. none, this certificate from Con- of the aisle, during in the joint session, The tellers will now record and an- necticut, the Parliamentarians have there are 11 House Republicans, 11 nounce the vote of the State of Arkan- advised me, is the only certificate of House Democrats, 11 House Senate sas for President and Vice President in vote from that State that purports to Democrats, 11 Senate Republicans. 44 accordance with the action of the two be a return from the State and that has Members on the floor. Please view the Houses. annexed to it a certificate from an au- proceedings from your offices. Thank This certificate from Arkansas, the thority of the State purporting to ap- you. Parliamentarians have advised me, is point or ascertain electors. Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- This is not a suggestion. That is a di- the only certificate of vote from that dent, the certificate of the electoral rection, in the interest of good example State, and purports to be a return from vote of the State of Connecticut seems to the public of how serious we take the State, and that has annexed to it a to be regular in form and authentic, the coronavirus threat and the need for certificate from an authority of that and it appears therefrom that Joseph social distancing. State purporting to appoint or ascer- R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware Please, my colleagues, if you are not tain electors. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. received 7 votes for President and participating in the next part of this, President, the certificate of the elec- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- please return to your offices. toral vote of the State of Arkansas fornia received 7 votes for Vice Presi- I wish to remind Members that we seems to be regular in form and au- dent. have to reduce the number of Members thentic, and it appears therefrom that The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there on the floor to the gallery to witness Donald J. Trump of the State of Flor- any objections to counting the certifi- the proceedings from there, in a rel- ida received 6 votes for President and cate of vote of the State of Connecticut ative number. So first come, first MICHAEL ENCE that the teller has verified appears to serve. R. P of the State of Indi- ana received 6 votes for Vice President. be regular in form and authentic? MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there There was no objection. A message from the Senate by Ms. any objections to counting the certifi- b 2345 Byrd, one of its clerks, announced that cate of vote of the State of Arkansas the Secretary of the Senate shall in- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing that the teller has verified appears to none, this certificate from Delaware, form the House of Representatives that be regular in form and authentic? the Senate is ready to proceed in joint the Parliamentarians have advised me, There was no objection. is the only certificate of vote from that session with the further counting of The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing State that purports to be a return from the electoral votes for President and none, this certificate from California, the State and that has annexed to it a Vice President. the Parliamentarians have advised me, certificate from an authority of the At 11:35 p.m., the Sergeant at Arms, is the only certificate of vote from that State purporting to appoint and ascer- Paul D. Irving, announced the Vice State that purports to be a return from President and the Senate of the United tain electors. the State and that has annexed to it a Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. States. certificate from an authority of the The Senate entered the Hall of the President, the certificate of the elec- State purporting to appoint and ascer- toral vote of the State of Delaware House of Representatives, headed by tain electors. the Vice President and the Secretary of seems to be regular in form and au- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the thentic, and it appears therefrom that the Senate, the Members and officers certificate of the electoral vote of the of the House rising to receive them. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of the State of State of California seems to be regular Delaware received 3 votes for President The Vice President took his seat as in form and authentic, and it appears the Presiding Officer of the joint con- and KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of California received 3 votes for Vice vention of the two Houses, the Speaker the State of Delaware received 55 votes of the House occupying the chair on his President. for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there left. Senators took seats to the right of the State of California received 55 any objections to counting the certifi- the rostrum as prescribed by law. votes for Vice President. cate of vote of the State of Delaware The VICE PRESIDENT. The joint The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there that the teller has verified appears to session of Congress to count the elec- any objections to counting the certifi- be regular in form and authentic? toral vote will resume. The tellers will cate of vote of the State of California There was no objection. take their chairs. that the teller has verified appears to The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The two Houses retired to consider be regular in form and authentic? none, this certificate from the District separately and decide upon the vote of There was no objection. of Columbia, the Parliamentarians the State of Arizona, to which an ob- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing have advised me, is the only certificate jection has been filed. none, this certificate from Colorado, of vote from the District that purports The Secretary of the Senate will re- the Parliamentarians have advised me, to be a return from the District and port the action of the Senate. is the only certificate of vote from that that has annexed to it a certificate The Secretary of the Senate read the State that purports to be a return from from an authority of the District pur- order of the Senate, as follows: the State, and that has annexed to it a porting to appoint and ascertain elec- Ordered, That the Senate by a vote of 6 certificate from an authority of the tors. ayes to 93 nays rejects the objection to the State purporting to appoint and ascer- Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the electoral votes cast in the State of Arizona tain electors. certificate of the electoral vote of the for Joseph R. Biden, Jr., for President and Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the District of Columbia seems to be reg- KAMALA D. HARRIS for Vice President. certificate of the electoral vote of the ular in form and authentic, and it ap- The VICE PRESIDENT. The Clerk of State of Colorado seems to be regular pears therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, the House will report the action of the in form and authentic, and it appears Jr., of the State of Delaware received 3 House. therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of votes for President and KAMALA D. The Clerk of the House read the order the State of Delaware received 9 votes HARRIS of the State of California re- of the House, as follows: for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of ceived 3 votes for Vice President. Ordered, That the House of Representatives the State of California received 9 votes The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there rejects the objection to the electoral vote of for Vice President. any objections to counting the certifi- the State of Arizona. The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there cate of vote of the District of Columbia The VICE PRESIDENT. Pursuant to any objections to counting the certifi- that the teller has verified appears to the law, chapter 1 of title 3, United cate of vote of the State of Colorado be regular in form and authentic? States Code, because the two Houses that the teller has verified appears to There was no objection. have not sustained the objection, the be regular in form and authentic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing original certificate submitted by the There was no objection. none, this certificate from Florida, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 20:27 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H95 Parliamentarians have advised me, is the State and that has annexed to it a Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- the only certificate of vote from that certificate from an authority of the dent, the certificate of the electoral State that purports to be a return from State purporting to appoint and ascer- vote of the State of Indiana seems to the State and that has annexed to it a tain electors. be regular in form and authentic, and certificate from an authority of the Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. it appears therefrom that Donald J. State purporting to appoint and ascer- President, the certificate of the elec- Trump of the State of Florida received tain electors. toral vote of the State of Hawaii seems 11 votes for President and MICHAEL R. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the to be regular in form and authentic, PENCE of the State of Indiana received certificate of the electoral vote of the and it appears therefrom that Joseph 11 votes for Vice President. State of Florida seems to be regular in R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there form and authentic, and it appears received 4 votes for President and any objections to counting the certifi- therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- cate of vote of the State of Indiana State of Florida received 29 votes for fornia received 4 votes for Vice Presi- that the teller has verified appears to President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the dent. be regular in form and authentic? State of Indiana received 29 votes for The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there There was no objection. Vice President. any objections to counting the certifi- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there cate of vote of the State of Hawaii that none, this certificate from Iowa, the any objections to counting the certifi- the teller has verified appears to be Parliamentarians have advised me, is cate of vote of the State of Florida regular in form and authentic? the only certificate of vote from that that the teller has verified appears to There was no objection. State that purports to be a return from be regular in form and authentic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing the State and that has annexed to it a There was no objection. none, this certificate from Idaho, the certificate from an authority of the The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing Parliamentarians have advised me, is State purporting to appoint and ascer- none, this certificate from Georgia, the the only certificate of vote from that tain electors. Parliamentarians have advised me, is State that purports to be a return from Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the the only certificate of vote from that the State and that has annexed to it a certificate of the electoral vote of the State that purports to be a return from certificate from an authority of the State of Iowa seems to be regular in the State and that has annexed to it a State purporting to appoint and ascer- form and authentic, and it appears certificate from an authority of the tain electors. therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State purporting to appoint and ascer- Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the State of Florida received 6 votes for tain electors. certificate of the electoral vote of the President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- State of Idaho seems to be regular in State of Indiana received 6 votes for dent, the certificate of the electoral form and authentic, and it appears Vice President. vote of the State of Georgia seems to therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there be regular in form and authentic, and State of Florida received 4 votes for any objections to counting the certifi- it appears therefrom that Joseph R. President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the cate of vote of the State of Iowa that Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- State of Indiana received 4 votes for the teller has verified appears to be ceived 16 votes for President and Vice President. regular in form and authentic? KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there There was no objection. fornia received 16 votes for Vice Presi- any objections to counting the certifi- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing dent. cate of vote of the State of Idaho that none, this certificate from Kansas, the The VICE PRESIDENT. For what the teller has certified appears to be Parliamentarians have advised me, is purpose does the gentleman from Geor- regular in form and authentic? the only certificate of vote from that gia (Mr. HICE) rise? There was no objection. State that purports to be a return from Mr. HICE of Georgia. Mr. President, The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing the State and that has annexed to it a myself, members of the Georgia delega- none, this certificate from Illinois, the certificate from an authority of the tion, and some 74 of my Republican col- Parliamentarians have advised me, is State purporting to appoint and ascer- leagues and I object to the electoral the only certificate of vote from that tain electors. vote from the State of Georgia on the State that purports to be a return from Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the grounds that the election conducted on the State and that has annexed to it a certificate of the electoral vote of the November 3 was faulty and fraudulent certificate from an authority of the State of Kansas seems to be regular in due to unilateral actions by the sec- State purporting to appoint and ascer- form and authentic, and it appears retary of state to unlawfully change tain electors. therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the the State’s election process without Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. State of Florida received 6 votes for approval from the General Assembly President, the certificate of the elec- President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the and thereby setting the stage for an toral vote of the State of Illinois seems State of Indiana received 6 votes for unprecedented amount of fraud and to be regular in form and authentic, Vice President. irregularities. I have signed the objec- and it appears therefrom that Joseph The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there tion myself. R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware any objections to counting the certifi- The VICE PRESIDENT. Sections 15 received 20 votes for President and cate of vote of the State of Kansas that and 17 of title 3, United States Code, KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- the teller has verified appears to be require that any objection be presented fornia received 20 votes for Vice Presi- regular in form and authentic? in writing and signed by a Member of dent. There was no objection. the House of Representatives and a The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing Senator. any objections to counting the certifi- none, this certificate from the Com- Is the objection in writing and signed cate of vote of the State of Illinois that monwealth of Kentucky, the Parlia- by a Member and a Senator? the teller has verified appears to be mentarians have advised me, is the Mr. HICE of Georgia. Mr. President, regular in form and authentic? only certificate of vote from that State prior to the actions and events of There was no objection. that purports to be a return from the today, we did, but following the events The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing State and that has annexed to it a cer- of today, it appears that some Senators none, this certificate from Indiana, the tificate from an authority of the State have withdrawn their objection. Parliamentarians have advised me, is purporting to appoint and ascertain The VICE PRESIDENT. In that case, the only certificate of vote from that electors. the objection cannot be entertained. State that purports to be a return from Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the This certificate from Hawaii, the the State and that has annexed to it a certificate of the electoral vote of the Parliamentarians have advised me, is certificate from an authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky seems to the only certificate of vote from that State purporting to appoint and ascer- be regular in form and authentic, and State that purports to be a return from tain electors. it appears therefrom that Donald J.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:29 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H96 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 Trump of the State of Florida received for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of The VICE PRESIDENT. In that case, 8 votes for President and MICHAEL R. the State of California received 10 the objection cannot be entertained. PENCE of the State of Indiana received votes for Vice President. Are there any further objections to 8 votes for Vice President. The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there counting the certificate of the vote The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there any objections to counting the certifi- from the State of Michigan that the any objections to counting the certifi- cate of vote of the State of Maryland teller has verified appears to be regular cate of vote of the Commonwealth of that the teller has verified appears to in form and authentic? Kentucky that the teller has verified be regular in form and authentic? There was no objection. There was no objection. appears to be regular in form and au- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing no thentic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing none, this certificate from Massachu- further objections, this certificate There was no objection. from Minnesota, the Parliamentarians The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing setts, the Parliamentarians have ad- vised me, is the only certificate of vote have advised me, is the only certificate none, this certificate from Louisiana, of vote from that State that purports the Parliamentarians have advised me, from that State that purports to be a return from the State and that has an- to be a return from the State and that is the only certificate of vote from that has annexed to it a certificate of an au- State that purports to be a return from nexed to it a certificate from an au- thority of the State purporting to ap- thority of the State purporting to ap- the State and that has annexed to it a point or ascertain electors. certificate from an authority of the point and ascertain electors. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- State purporting to appoint and ascer- certificate of electoral vote of the dent, the certificate of the electoral tain electors. Commonwealth of Massachusetts vote of the State of Minnesota seems Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- seems to be regular in form and au- to be regular in form and authentic, dent, the certificate of the electoral thentic, and it appears therefrom that and it appears therefrom that Joseph vote of the State of Louisiana seems to Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of the State of R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware be regular in form and authentic, and Delaware received 11 votes for Presi- received 10 votes for President and appears therefrom that Donald J. dent and KAMALA D. HARRIS of the KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- Trump of the State of Florida received State of California received 11 votes for fornia received 10 votes for Vice Presi- 8 votes for President and MICHAEL R. Vice President. dent. PENCE of the State of Indiana received The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there 8 votes for Vice President. any objections to counting the certifi- any objections to counting the certifi- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there cate of vote of the Commonwealth of cate of the vote from the State of Min- any objections to counting the certifi- Massachusetts that the teller has nesota that the teller has verified ap- cate of vote of the State of Louisiana verified appears to be regular in form pears to be regular in form and authen- that the teller has verified to be reg- and authentic? tic? ular in form and authentic? There was no objection. There was no objection. There was no objection. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing none, this certificate from Michigan, The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing none, this certificate from Maine, the the Parliamentarians have advised me, none, this certificate from Mississippi, Parliamentarians have advised me, is is the only certificate of vote from that the Parliamentarians have advised, is the only certificate of vote from that State that purports to be a return from the only certificate of vote from that State that purports to be a return from the State and that has annexed to it a State that purports to be a return from the State and that has annexed to it a certificate from an authority of the the State and that has annexed to it a certificate from an authority of the State purporting to appoint and ascer- certificate of an authority of the State State purporting to appoint and ascer- tain electors. purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- tain electors. Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- tors. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. dent, the certificate of the electoral Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. President, the certificate of the elec- vote of the State of Michigan seems to President, the certificate of the elec- toral vote of the State of Maine seems be regular in form and authentic, and toral vote of the State of Mississippi to be regular in form and authentic, it appears therefrom that Joseph R. seems to be regular in form and au- and it appears therefrom that Joseph Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- thentic, and it appears therefrom that R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware ceived 16 votes for President and Donald J. Trump of the State of Flor- received 3 votes for President, and Don- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- ida received 6 votes for President and ald J. Trump of the State of Florida re- fornia received 16 votes for Vice Presi- MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of Indi- ceived 1 vote for President and KAMALA dent. ana received 6 votes for Vice President. D. HARRIS of the State of California re- The VICE PRESIDENT. For what The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there ceived 3 votes for Vice President, and reason does the gentlewoman from any objections to counting the certifi- MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of Indi- Georgia (Mrs. GREENE) rise? cate of the vote from the State of Mis- ana received 1 vote for Vice President. Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Presi- sissippi that the teller has verified ap- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there dent, I, along with 70 of my Republican pears to be regular in form and authen- any objections to counting the certifi- colleagues, object to the counting of tic? cate of vote of the State of Maine that the electoral votes for the State of There was no objection. the teller has verified appears to be Michigan on the grounds that the error The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing regular in form and authentic? rate exceeds the FEC rate allowed at none, this certificate from Missouri, There was no objection. 0.0008 percent, and that the people who the Parliamentarians have advised, is The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing signed affidavits at risk of perjury, the only certificate of vote from that none, this certificate from Maryland, their voices have not been heard in a State that purports to be a return from the Parliamentarians have advised me, court of law. the State and that has annexed to it a is the only certificate of vote from that b 0000 certificate of an authority of the State State that purports to be a return from The VICE PRESIDENT. Sections 15 purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- the State and that has annexed to it a and 17 of title 3 of the U.S. Code, re- tors. certificate from an authority of the quire that any objection be presented Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the State purporting to appoint and ascer- in writing and signed by a Member of certificate of the electoral vote of the tain electors. the House of Representatives and a State of Missouri seems to be regular Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the Senator. in form and authentic, and it appears certificate of the electoral vote of the Is the objection in writing and signed therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Maryland seems to be regular by a Member and a Senator? State of Florida received 10 votes for in form and authentic, and it appears Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. The objec- President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of tion is in writing, not signed by a Sen- State of Indiana received 10 votes for the State of Delaware received 10 votes ator. Vice President.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:39 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H97 The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there fornia received 6 votes for Vice Presi- Jersey that the teller has verified ap- any objections to counting the certifi- dent. pears to be regular in form and authen- cate of the vote from the State of Mis- The VICE PRESIDENT. For what tic? souri that the teller has verified ap- purpose does the gentleman from Ala- There was no objection. pears to be regular in form and authen- bama rise? The VICE PRESIDENT. This certifi- tic? Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Mr. Presi- cate from New Mexico, the Parliamen- There was no objection. dent, I and 55 other Members of the tarians have advised, is the only cer- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing United States House of Representatives tificate of vote from the State that none, this certificate from Montana, object to the electoral vote for the purports to be a return from the State the Parliamentarians have advised, is State of Nevada in order to protect the and that has annexed to it a certificate the only certificate of vote from that lawful votes of Nevada and all other of an authority of the State purporting State that purports to be a return from American citizens. to appoint or ascertain electors. the State and that has annexed to it a The VICE PRESIDENT. Sections 15 Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- certificate of an authority of the State and 17 of title 3 of the United States dent, the certificate of the electoral purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- Code, require that any objection be vote of the State of New Mexico seems tors. presented in writing and signed by a to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Joseph Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the Member of the House of Representa- R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware certificate of the electoral vote of the tives and a Senator. received 5 votes for President and State of Montana seems to be regular Is the objection in writing and signed KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- in form and authentic, and it appears by a Member and a Senator? fornia received 5 votes for Vice Presi- therefrom that Donald J. Trump from Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Mr. Presi- dent. the State of Florida received 3 votes dent, it is in writing, but, unfortu- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there for President and MICHAEL R. PENCE nately, no United States Senator has any objections to counting the certifi- from the State of Indiana received 3 joined in this effort. cate of the vote from the State of New votes for Vice President. The VICE PRESIDENT. In that case, Mexico that the teller has verified ap- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there the objection cannot be entertained. pears to be regular in form and authen- any objections to counting the certifi- Are there any further objections to tic? cate of the vote from the State of Mon- counting the certificate of vote from There was no objection. tana that the teller has verified ap- the State of Nevada that the teller has The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing pears to be regular in form and authen- verified appears to be regular in form none, this certificate from New York, tic? and authentic? the Parliamentarians have advised me, There was no objection. There was no objection. is the only certificate of vote from the The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The VICE PRESIDENT. This certifi- State that purports to be a return from none, this certificate from Nebraska, cate from New Hampshire, the Parlia- the State and has annexed to it a cer- the Parliamentarians have advised, is mentarians have advised me, is the tificate of an authority from the State the only certificate of vote from that only certificate of electoral vote from purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- State that purports to be a return from that State that purports to be a return tors. the State and that has annexed to it a from the State and that has annexed to Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. certificate of an authority of the State it a certificate of an authority of the President, the certificate of the elec- purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- State purporting to appoint or ascer- toral vote of the State of New York tors. tain electors. seems to be regular in form and au- Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the thentic, and it appears therefrom that dent, the certificate of the electoral certificate of the electoral vote of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of the State of vote of the State of Nebraska seems to State of New Hampshire seems to be Delaware received 29 votes for Presi- be regular in form and authentic, and regular in form and authentic, and it dent and KAMALA D. HARRIS of the it appears therefrom that Donald J. appears therefrom that Joseph R. State of California received 29 votes for Trump of the State of Florida received Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- Vice President. 4 votes for President; and Joseph R. ceived 4 votes for President and The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- any objections to counting the certifi- ceived 1 vote for President; and MI- fornia received 4 votes for Vice Presi- cate of the vote from the State of New CHAEL R. PENCE of the State of Indiana dent. York that the teller has verified ap- received 4 votes for Vice President; and The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there pears to be regular in form and authen- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- any objections to counting the certifi- tic? fornia received 1 vote for Vice Presi- cate of vote of the State of New Hamp- There was no objection. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing dent. shire that the teller has verified ap- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there pears to be regular in form and authen- none, this certificate from North Caro- any objections to counting the certifi- tic? lina, the Parliamentarians have ad- vised me, is the only certificate of vote cate of vote from the State of Nebraska There was no objection. from that State that purports to be a that the teller has verified is regular in The VICE PRESIDENT. This certifi- return from the State and that has an- form and authentic? cate from New Jersey, the Parliamen- nexed to it a certificate from the State There was no objection. tarians have advised, is the only cer- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing tificate of vote from the State that purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- tors. none, this certificate from Nevada, the purports to be a return from the State Parliamentarians have advised, is the and that has annexed to it a certificate b 0010 only certificate of vote from the State of an authority in the State purporting Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the that purports to be a return from the to appoint or ascertain electors. certificate of the electoral vote of the State and that has annexed to it a cer- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the State of North Carolina seems to be tificate of an authority from the State certificate of the electoral vote of the regular in form and authentic, and it purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- State of New Jersey seems to be reg- appears therefrom that Donald J. tors. ular in form and authentic, and it ap- Trump of the State of Florida received Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. pears therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, 15 votes for President and MICHAEL R. President, the certificate of the elec- Jr., of the State of Delaware received PENCE of the State of Indiana received toral vote of the State of Nevada seems 14 votes for President and KAMALA D. 15 votes for Vice President. to be regular in form and authentic, HARRIS of the State of California re- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there and it appears therefrom that Joseph ceived 14 votes for Vice President. any objections to counting the certifi- R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there cate of vote of the State of North Caro- received 4 votes for President and any objections to counting the certifi- lina that the teller has verified appears KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- cate of the vote from the State of New to be regular in form and authentic?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:48 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H98 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 There was no objection. State and that has a certificate of au- OH–4, Dan Meuser PA–9, Clay Higgins LA–3, The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing thority from the State annexed to it to Tom Rice SC–7, Yvette Herrell NM–2, Alex- none, this certificate from North Da- appoint and ascertain electors. ander Mooney WV–2, Andy Biggs AZ–5, John kota, the Parliamentarians have ad- Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the W. Rose TN–6, W. Greg Steube FL–17, Madi- son Cawthorn NC–11, Bill Posey FL–8, Jeff vised me, is the only certificate of vote certificate of the electoral vote of the Duncan SC–3, Brian Babin TX–36, Louie Goh- from that State, and purports to be a State of Oregon seems to be regular in mert TX–1. return from the State and that has an- form and authentic, and it appears Brian J. Mast FL–18, Warren Davidson OH– nexed to it a certificate of an authority therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of 8, Andy Harris MD–1, Doug Lamborn CO–5, of the State purporting to appoint and the State of Delaware received 7 votes Kat Cammack FL–3, Tracey Mann KS–1, Bob ascertain electors. for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of Good VA–5, Adrian Smith NE–3, Billy Long Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the the State of California received 7 votes MO–7, Jack Bergman MI–1, Michael Cloud certificate of the electoral vote of the TX–27, Byron Donalds FL–19, Rick Crawford for Vice President. AR–1, Roger Williams TX–25, Bob Gibbs OH– State of North Dakota seems to be reg- The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there 7, Russ Fulcher ID–1, Richard Hudson NC–8, ular in form and authentic, and it ap- any objections to counting the certifi- Ted Budd NC–13, Barry Moore AL–2, Lee pears therefrom that Donald J. Trump cate of vote of the State of Oregon that Zeldin NY–1. of the State of Florida received 3 votes the teller has verified as regular in Jake LaTurner KS–2, David Rouzer NC–7, for President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of form and authentic? Jason Smith MO–8, Lauren Boebert CO–3, the State of Indiana received 3 votes There was no objection. Paul A. Gosar AZ–4, Chuck Fleischmann TN– for Vice President. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing 3, Tim Burchett TN–2, Chris Jacobs NY–27, The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there Bill Johnson OH–6, Andrew S. Clyde GA–9, none, this certificate from the Com- Lance Gooden TX–5, Randy Feenstra IA–4, any objections to counting the certifi- monwealth of Pennsylvania, the Par- Mary E. Miller IL–15, Diana Harshbarger TN– cate of vote of the State of North Da- liamentarians have advised, is the only 1, Mark E. Green TN–7, Ron Estes KS–4, Neal kota that the teller has verified as reg- certificate of vote from that State that Dunn FL–2, Ronny Jackson TX–13, Elise ular and authentic? purports to be a return from the State Stefanik NY–21, Ralph Norman SC–5. There was no objection. and that has annexed to it a certificate Joe Wilson SC–2, Vicky Hartzler MO–4, The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing from an authority of the State pur- Scott DesJarlais TN–4, Marjorie Taylor none, the certificate from Ohio, the porting to appoint and ascertain elec- Greene GA–14, Doug LaMalfa CA–1, Jeff Van Parliamentarians have advised, is the Drew NJ–2, Ben Cline VA–6, Michael D. Rog- tors. ers AL–3, Markwayne Mullin OK–2, Jeff Dun- only certificate of vote from that Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the can SC–3, Pat Fallon TX–4, Brad R. Wenstrup State, and purports to be a return from certificate of the electoral vote of the OH–2, August Pfluger TX–11, Rob Wittman the State and that has annexed to it a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seems VA–1, Scott Franklin FL–15, David Kustoff certificate of an authority of the State to be regular in form and authentic, TN–8, Sam Graves MO–6, Matt Gaetz FL–1, purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- and it appears therefrom that Joseph Randy K. Weber TX–14. tors. R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- received 20 votes for President and further objections to the certificate dent, the certificate of the electoral KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- from the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vote of the State of Ohio seems to be fornia received 20 votes for Vice Presi- vania? regular in form and authentic, and it dent. There was no objection. appears therefrom that Donald J. The VICE PRESIDENT. For what The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair Trump of the State of Florida received purpose does the gentleman from Penn- hears none. The two Houses will withdraw from 18 votes for President and MICHAEL R. sylvania rise? joint session. Each House will delib- PENCE of the State of Indiana received Mr. PERRY. Mr. President, sadly, erate separately on the pending objec- 18 votes for Vice President. but resolutely, I object to the electoral tion and report its decision back to the The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there votes of my beloved Commonwealth of joint session. any objections to counting the certifi- Pennsylvania on the grounds of mul- The Senate will now retire to its cate of vote of the State of Ohio that tiple constitutional infractions that the teller has verified is regular in Chamber. they were not under all of the known The Senate retired to its Chamber. form and authentic? circumstances regularly given; and on There was no objection. this occasion, I have a written objec- b 0020 The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing tion signed by a Senator and 80 Mem- The SPEAKER. Pursuant to Senate none, this certificate from Oklahoma, bers of the House of Representatives. Concurrent Resolution 1 and section 17 the Parliamentarians have advised, is The VICE PRESIDENT. Is the objec- of title 3, United States Code, when the the only certificate of vote from that tion in writing and signed by a Sen- two Houses withdraw from the joint State, and purports to be a return from ator? session to count the electoral vote for the State and that has annexed to it a Mr. PERRY. Yes, Mr. Vice President, separate consideration of objection, a certificate of an authority of the State it is. Representative may speak to the objec- purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- The VICE PRESIDENT. An objection tion for 5 minutes and not more than tors. presented in writing and signed by both once. Debate shall not exceed 2 hours, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. a Representative and a Senator com- after which the Chair shall put the President, the certificate of the elec- plies with the law, chapter 1 of title 3, question, Shall the objection be agreed toral vote of the State of Oklahoma United States Code. to? seems to be regular in form and au- The Clerk will report the objection. The Clerk will report the objection thentic, and it appears therefrom that The Clerk read the objection as fol- made in the joint session. Donald J. Trump of the State of Flor- lows: The Clerk read the objection as fol- ida received 7 votes for President and JANUARY 7, 2021. lows: MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of Indi- We, a United States Senator and Members JANUARY 7, 2021. ana received 7 votes for Vice President. of the House of Representatives, object to We, a United States Senator and Members The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there the counting of the electoral votes of the of the House of Representatives, object to any objections to counting the certifi- State of Pennsylvania on the ground that the counting of the electoral votes of the they were not, under all of the known cir- cate of vote of the State of Oklahoma State of Pennsylvania on the ground that cumstances, regularly given. they were not, under all of the known cir- that the teller has verified to be reg- JOSH HAWLEY, cumstances, regularly given. ular in form and authentic? United States Senator. JOSH HAWLEY, There was no objection. SCOTT PERRY, United States Senator. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing Member of Congress. SCOTT PERRY, none, this certificate from Oregon, the MEMBERS OF CONGRESS Member of Congress. Parliamentarians have advised, is the Mo Brooks AL–5, Mike Kelly PA–16, John MEMBERS OF CONGRESS only certificate of vote from that State Joyce PA–13, Fred Keller PA–12, Scott Perry Mo Brooks AL–5, Mike Kelly PA–16, John that purports to be a return from the PA–10, Glenn Thompson PA–15, Jim Jordan Joyce PA–13, Fred Keller PA–12, Scott Perry

VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:58 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H99 PA–10, Glenn Thompson PA–15, Jim Jordan Once again, the court not only defied that he was unable to establish with OH–4, Dan Meuser PA–9, Clay Higgins LA–3, the Constitution and the will of the any degree of reasonable assurance Tom Rice SC–7, Yvette Herrell NM–2, Alex- people, but by so doing, they created a that the SURE system is secure and ander Mooney WV–2, Andy Biggs AZ–5, John W. Rose TN–6, W. Greg Steube FL–17, Madi- separate class of voters, thereby vio- that Pennsylvania voter registration son Cawthorn NC–11, Bill Posey FL–8, Jeff lating the Equal Protection Clause pre- records are complete and accurate. Duncan SC–3, Brian Babin TX–36, Louie Goh- scribed in the Constitution. That is what we are relying on. That mert TX–1. How can we have two legally sepa- right there. This is the very same sys- Brian J. Mast FL–18, Warren Davidson OH– rate classes of voters? Yet, the court tem used to certify the election in the 8, Andy Harris MD–1, Doug Lamborn CO–5, made it so, not the legislature. contest for President of the United Kat Cammack FL–3, Tracey Mann KS–1, Bob The Constitution doesn’t mention States. This is the very same system Good VA–5, Adrian Smith NE–3, Billy Long the court when determining the time, MO–7, Jack Bergman MI–1, Michael Cloud that the State used to certify the 2020 TX–27. Byron Donalds FL–19, Rick Crawford place, and manner of elections because election, even though its figures do not AR–1, Roger Williams TX–25, Bob Gibbs OH– they are not authorized to make those match more than half of Pennsylva- 7, Russ Fulcher ID–1, Richard Hudson NC–8, decisions. Yet, they did it. nia’s 67 counties. Ted Budd NC–13, Barry Moore AL–2, Lee And the U.S. Supreme Court has re- To this day, right now, while we Zeldin NY–1. fused to hear the case, denying the evi- stand here, how can this election be Jake LaTurner KS–2, David Rouzer NC–7, dence and denying the demands for jus- certified using a system that after 2 Jason Smith MO–8, Lauren Boebert CO–3, tice from the people of Pennsylvania Paul A. Gosar AZ–4, Chuck Fleischmann TN– months still displays that over 205,000 3, Tim Burchett TN–2, Chris Jacobs NY–27, and America. more votes were cast in Pennsylvania Bill Johnson OH–6, Andrew S. Clyde GA–9, These aren’t my opinions. These than people who voted in the November Lance Gooden TX–5, Randy Feenstra IA–4, aren’t partisan viewpoints. These are election? Let me say that again: 205,000 Mary E. Miller IL–15, Diana Harshbarger TN– irrefutable facts. more votes than voters. 1, Mark E. Green TN–7, Ron Estes KS–4, Neal Six days before the election, guid- Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise Dunn FL–2, Ronny Jackson TX–13, Elise ance emailed from the secretary of in opposition to the objection. Stefanik NY–21, Ralph Norman SC–5. state required that the counties shall Joe Wilson SC–2, Vicky Hartzler MO–4, The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Scott DesJarlais TN–4, Marjorie Taylor not pre-canvass or canvass any mail-in Colorado is recognized for 5 minutes. Greene GA–14, Doug LaMalfa CA–1, Jeff Van or civilian absentee ballots received be- Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, to my Drew NJ–2, Ben Cline VA–6, Michael D. Rog- tween 8 o’clock Tuesday and 5 o’clock colleague from Pennsylvania, I will say ers AL–3, Markwayne Mullin OK–2, Pat Friday and that they must be kept sep- this: I carry the same Constitution Fallon TX–4, Brad R. Wenstrup OH–2, August arately. That was 6 days before the that you do. And the Constitution, sir, Pfluger TX–11, Rob Wittman VA–1, Scott election. does not allow you, me, or any Member Franklin FL–15, David Kustoff TN–8, Sam Madam Speaker, 2 days before the of this body to substitute our judgment Graves MO–6, Matt Gaetz FL–1, Randy K. election, counties received new guid- Weber TX–14. for that of the American people. It does The SPEAKER. The Chair will en- ance from the secretary of state, in- not allow us to disregard the will of the deavor to alternate recognition be- forming counties that they shall can- American people. Because under this tween Members speaking in support of vass segregated absentee and mail-in Constitution, under our Constitution, the objection and Members speaking in ballots as soon as possible upon re- Congress doesn’t choose the President. opposition to the objection. ceipt. The American people do. And they The Chair recognizes the gentleman The secretary of state is not elected have chosen in resounding numbers, as from Pennsylvania (Mr. PERRY) for 5 by the people. She is not a member of every single Member of this body well minutes. the legislature. Yet, she, and she alone, understands. Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, this is determined the time and manner of Madam Speaker, I have been at a loss a somber day for the defense of the elections. That was unconstitutional. to explain what happened today, but Constitution. You see, the Constitution In defiance of a U.S. Supreme Court there is a statement that I found that is just a piece of paper. It cannot de- order that all ballots received after largely summarized my thoughts on fend itself. That is why our leaders election day be segregated, the sec- the matter. swear an oath to uphold and defend the retary of state knew, once they were ‘‘The scenes of mayhem unfolding at Constitution, and that is what I am canvassed, that is opened and commin- the seat of our Nation’s government’’ doing here this evening. gled with all the other ballots, they are a ‘‘sickening and heartbreaking The Constitution states: ‘‘The times, would be counted with all the rest. sight. This is how election results are places, and manner of holding elections And what is the remedy for this defi- disputed in a banana republic, not our . . . shall be prescribed . . . by the leg- ance, for this lawbreaking? So far, the democratic Republic. I am appalled by islature’’—not the courts, not the Gov- court has decided there is no remedy. the reckless behavior of some political ernor, not the secretary of state or There is no penalty for this lawless- leaders since the election and by the other bureaucrats or elected officials, ness, this dilution of lawfully cast lack of respect shown today for our in- the legislature. votes, this defiance of the Constitu- stitutions, our traditions, and our law In Pennsylvania, the supreme court tion—no remedy. When the State legis- enforcement. The violent assault on unilaterally extended the deadline for lature requested the Governor to con- the Capitol, and the disruption of a ballots to 3 days after the election. vene a special session to address the constitutionally mandated meeting of They actually wanted 10. The supreme unanswered questions and try to pro- Congress, was undertaken by people court is not the legislature. The su- vide a remedy, he refused. whose passions have been inflamed by preme court mandated un-postmarked When votes are accepted under un- falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrec- ballots to be received, destroying the constitutional means without fair and tion could do grave damage to our Na- validity of all the votes that were cast equal protection for all, the only result tion and our reputation. timely. can be an illegitimate outcome—ille- ‘‘In the United States of America, it The supreme court action defied the gitimate. is the fundamental responsibility of law, the legislature, and the will of the The voters did not create this mess, every patriotic citizen to support the people. but the will of the people is absolutely rule of law. To those who are dis- The supreme court authorized the being subverted by the deliberate and appointed in the results of the election: use of drop boxes, where ballot har- willful actions of individuals defying Our country is more important than vesting could occur. The legislature their oath, the law, and the Constitu- the politics of the moment.’’ never authorized that form of voting, tion. and the court had absolutely no right In Pennsylvania, we use the State- b 0030 to do so. wide Uniform Registry of Electors, or Those are not my words. Those are Responding to the secretary of state, SURE, system as the basis of deter- the words of former Republican Presi- Kathy Boockvar, the supreme court mining who can vote. Unfortunately, a dent George W. Bush. ruled that mail-in ballots need not au- recent attempted audit by the Demo- To my colleagues, it is after mid- thenticate signatures. crat State auditor general concluded night tonight. It has been a long day

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06JA7.023 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 for our country, a long day for our Re- Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, a day If there is an American ideal that all public. that was intended to debate the impor- citizens, regardless of party affiliation, Let us dispense with this. Let’s do tance of election integrity and the rule can agree upon, it is that we must have the right thing. Let’s honor our oath. of law tragically became a day that election integrity. We should not cer- Let’s certify the results, and let’s get will be a black mark in our Nation’s tify these electors, which were derived back to the work of the American peo- history. Nevertheless, the work of this by unlawful actions and a result of in- ple. House must go on, as America will go accurate vote tallies. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- on. Madam Speaker, I yield the remain- tlewoman from California (Ms. LOF- We must all sincerely thank the Cap- der of my time to the gentleman from GREN). itol Police and Metro Police for their Pennsylvania (Mr. JOYCE). Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, our selfless actions today, putting their Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam duty today is significant but straight- safety and lives on the line to protect Speaker, I rise in support of the objec- forward. We must count the votes of this House. The lawlessness and vio- tion. the electors as cast in the electoral lence of today must be condemned, just Tonight, my heart is heavy as we college and announce the results. as all violent protests must be con- consider the dark acts that transpired As discussed, our roles and respon- demned. in this Chamber today. But, Madam sibilities are established by the Con- Nevertheless, the fact remains, a Speaker, the American people can be stitution and Federal law, and they are large number of Pennsylvanians are assured that violent and irrational at- clear. The facts before us are also enormously frustrated with actions tacks on this body cannot derail the clear. Pennsylvania submitted one taken by elected and appointed offi- constitutional responsibility that lies cials in Pennsylvania, which have led slate of electors, as chosen by the vot- in front of us. ers of the State. The slate was certified to a high level of distrust for this past This has always been about uphold- election. according to State law. Now those law- ing the law. It has always been about ful results must be counted and an- We have the United States Constitu- tion, which is the reason we have been protecting government of, by, and for nounced. the people. Preserving the rule of law Despite disinformation and any num- and will continue to be a great country is more important than ever. ber of false claims that you may have and a country of laws. The U.S. Constitution is unambig- We must acknowledge that unconsti- heard, including here today, as former tutional acts unduly impacted the Attorney General Barr said: ‘‘We have uous, Madam Speaker, in declaring that State legislatures are the entity Presidential election in Pennsylvania. not seen fraud on a scale that could Contrary to law, the supreme court ex- have effected a different outcome in with the authority to set election pro- cedures and to enact any changes to tended the deadline for mail-in ballots the election.’’ for 3 days beyond the election day. This is not simply a conclusory election law. Article I, Section 4, Contrary to law, the secretary of the statement. The results of the election Clause 1 states: ‘‘The times, places, and Commonwealth discarded mail-in bal- have been litigated. The record is manner of holding elections . . . shall lot signature verification safeguards. clear: The lawsuits challenging the be prescribed in each State by the leg- These leaders took advantage of a election results failed. They failed be- islature thereof.’’ deadly pandemic and seized the State cause there is simply no evidence to The authority of election procedures legislature’s rightful authority. support these baseless claims. lies with the State legislature, period. Now, it is one thing to tweet a belief, In Pennsylvania, this authority was I took an oath to uphold the law and indisputably usurped by the Pennsyl- quite another to provide actual evi- defend the Constitution. I pledged to vania Governor’s office, by the Penn- dence. These cases failed because there protect free and fair elections. I can- sylvania secretary of state, and by the is no evidence. Judges ruled in the law- not, in good faith, certify electors that Pennsylvania Supreme Court. were selected under an unlawful proc- suits that the 2020 election was sound. These unlawful actions include, but It should come as no surprise that ess. are not limited to, accepting ballots Republican officeholders have recog- I will object to the electoral college past 8 p.m. on election day; incon- certification to protect the will of nized the election results as legitimate sistent application of verified signa- and accurately determined in an elec- Pennsylvania voters, to uphold the ture requirements for in-person ballots law, to restore trust in our electoral tion that was conducted safely, se- versus mail-in ballots; authorizing the curely, and with integrity. system, and, ultimately, to save our curing of mail-in ballots with less than Constitution. We all take an oath to support and 24 hours’ notice, leading to incon- defend the Constitution. As we near At Gettysburg, which is in my dis- sistent preparedness between counties; trict, President Abraham Lincoln the end of the task before us, let’s re- and authorizing the use of unsecured member the beginning of the Constitu- spoke about the great task of ensuring drop boxes, which is not permitted in government by, of, and for the people tion. Before Article II and the 12th statute. Amendment, which spell out the elec- shall not perish from the Earth. If such unlawful actions are to be ac- Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- toral college, and before Article I, cepted, what do we have to look for- vania. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposi- which creates Congress, the Constitu- ward to next year? The Pennsylvania tion. tion begins with the preamble. The pre- secretary of state allowing online vot- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from amble is short and bold: ‘‘We the peo- ing because it may be raining in Phila- Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- ple.’’ delphia? It was a free-for-all. The people spoke in historic num- Madam Speaker, it was back in 2005 utes. Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- bers. Their votes have been counted. when then-Minority Leader PELOSI, Their choice is clear. It is time, as the while leading 31 Democrats as they ob- vania. Madam Speaker, nearly 7 mil- law requires, to announce the state of jected to the Presidential elector cer- lion Pennsylvanians showed up to vote the people’s vote. tification, as they did in the last three in the 2020 elections. They cast their The violence and disorder inflicted Presidential elections when a Repub- votes for Democrats and Republicans on our democracy by seditious rioters lican won, stated quite well, actually: up and down the ballot, including the today is an indication of why adher- The Members of Congress have entire U.S. House delegation, the en- ence to our Constitution is so vital. brought this challenge and are speak- tire State house, half of the State sen- I urge all of us to stand up for law, ing up for their aggrieved constituents, ate, and other State and local races. for democracy, for our Constitution, many of whom have been disenfran- Since the election, there have been and to stand up for America and reject chised in this process. This is their allegations of widespread election this objection. only opportunity to have this debate fraud in Pennsylvania; but, remark- Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise while the country is listening, and it is ably, the 20 suits filed by the Trump to support the objection. appropriate to do so. campaign, Pennsylvania Republicans, The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Thank you for those words, Madam and others challenging the results in Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- Speaker. They were appropriate then, Pennsylvania have never claimed that utes. as they are now. there was voter fraud.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.050 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H101 b 0040 illogical and inconsistent, colleagues, thority of the State legislature. Fur- Perhaps that is because attorneys and I am pleased to note that the Su- thermore, the chief law officer of the could lose their licenses when they preme Court rejected it as well. Commonwealth sat idly while this make unsubstantiated claims in court. The fact is, the election has received process unfolded. That is where the rubber really meets unprecedented scrutiny in the courts. I Now, I joined many of my colleagues the road. believe it is irresponsible and undemo- in Pennsylvania requesting the legisla- So if these lawsuits didn’t claim elec- cratic to argue today that the U.S. tors in Harrisburg conduct an inves- tion fraud, what did they claim? Congress ought to relitigate the 2020 tigation and audit to ensure such neg- Most of the legal challenges to the Presidential election and second-guess ligence will be prevented in future elec- Presidential election in Pennsylvania the will of the voters in multiple tions. question relatively small numbers of States, the decisions of numerous I have serious concerns about how ballots that were allegedly tainted by State and Federal courts, including the these irregularities in the application technical violations. Even assuming Supreme Court, and the counts and re- of the Commonwealth’s election laws that all of these ballots had been cast counts conducted by State election of- will play in future elections. Only with for Joe Biden, throwing them out ficials. equal application of law will the voters wouldn’t have changed the result of the There were 20 lawsuits filed in Penn- of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania election. sylvania challenging aspects of the have certainty in their election proc- Now, one exception is the lawsuit Presidential election. In 19 of them you esses. filed by one of our colleagues from got laughed out of court. The one case Now, I remain committed to ensuring Pennsylvania, Kelly v. Commonwealth, you won affected roughly 100 votes. Joe the voters receive an electoral system which would have thrown out all the Biden and KAMALA HARRIS won by over they deserve and where equal applica- mail-in votes cast in the 2020 general 80,000. tion of law is guaranteed. If our elec- election on the grounds that Act 77, the Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. tion integrity is compromised, we have State law allowing those votes, was un- Madam Speaker, I rise to support the failed the very voters who have sent us constitutional. That suit would have objection. here to defend the Constitution. disenfranchised 21⁄2 million Pennsylva- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- nians. Let’s let that sink in, 21⁄2 million Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HARRIS). Pennsylvanians would have had their utes. Mr. HARRIS. Madam Speaker, I votes nullified. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. thank the gentleman for yielding. Now, I want to provide my colleagues Madam Speaker, I rise this evening The oath I took is very simple. with some background about the State with a heavy heart. The violence that Madam Speaker, you administered it. law at the heart of this challenge. In occurred today at the U.S. Capitol was It is to support and defend the Con- 2019, the Republican-controlled State senseless, destructive, and counter to stitution. legislature approved Act 77, a bipar- our American values. Now, as you walk back to the office tisan bill to reform the State’s election This past Sunday, each Member of buildings, you will walk by that wall laws, which instituted no-excuse mail this body took an oath to uphold the that has when the various States ac- balloting. Act 77 was supported almost United States Constitution. And while cepted that Constitution. Remember, unanimously by Republicans in the the path of least resistance, particu- when a State accepts the Constitution, State House and State Senate. In fact, larly following today’s events, would it agrees to accept every part of the it was unanimous in the State Senate be to remain silent, my oath to uphold Constitution. It doesn’t get to pick and and all but two Republicans in the the Constitution does not permit me to choose. Pennsylvania was there when it was State House. maintain silence. Moreover, once this Act was passed, While systemic voter fraud was not written. They were so enthusiastic Act 77 had a 120-day period where chal- something proven, we witnessed a sys- about the Constitution, they approved lenges could be filed against the Act if temic failure in the application of it in 1787. My State, Maryland, is a little fur- people thought it was unconstitu- Pennsylvania’s voting law when it ther down the wall, 1788. They were tional. Well, 4 months went by, nobody comes to the 2020 general election. there when it was written. files a challenge. On June 3, Pennsyl- In late 2019, the Commonwealth re- The clause that gave the legislature vania had their primary under this new visited and modernized its election law the power over the elections was there system. Nobody challenged the pri- with the bipartisan Act 77. Granted, in when they accepted it. It has been mary election. It was only challenged late 2019, the Commonwealth’s legisla- there since. How dare the judicial in November, when Republicans didn’t ture did not have the foresight to an- branch or the executive branch of that get the result they wanted at the top of ticipate how COVID–19 would present State usurp the legislative authority. the ticket. Not surprisingly, this case challenges to voting. Despite that, it is That is a clear violation of the Con- was dismissed by the Pennsylvania Su- not up to the Governor, the secretary stitution. preme Court and an appeal to the U.S. of the Commonwealth, nor the State Now, we heard there is no evidence. Supreme Court was denied. supreme court to unilaterally create Evidence? Another exception is Texas v. Penn- law. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court sylvania. They asked the court to re- The election abuses to Pennsylvania unilaterally extended the deadline to ject the results of the Pennsylvania Act 77 taken by the Pennsylvania exec- receive absentee and mail-in ballots. Presidential contest in Pennsylvania utive branch and upheld by the Penn- Does anybody contest that over here? and several other States, sylvania judicial branch were clearly Does it say the legislature did that? disenfranchising tens of millions of the unconstitutional and had an obvious, if No, it doesn’t. It says the court did voters. Seven Republican members of not major, impact on the 2020 election, it. the Pennsylvania U.S. House delega- particularly when it comes to the citi- That is a violation. That is what the tion signed the U.S. House Republican zens’ faith in the electoral process. Texas lawsuit was all about. We dis- brief in support of Texas v. Pennsyl- Irregularities in Pennsylvania in- advantage other States when States vania. cluded: Uneven application of the law; like Pennsylvania, the executive While I feel compelled to point out to ballot curing; ignoring signature vali- branch and judicial branch, cheat on my colleagues that the same voters dation requirements; using unsecured the Constitution; and that is what they who sent them to the 117th Congress drop boxes; accepting ballots beyond did here. cast their votes for the President by the deadlines; and interfering with cer- But there is more evidence. But wait, marking the very same ballots, which tified poll watcher access, among oth- there is more. The Democrat secretary were read by the very same ballot scan- ers. of the Commonwealth eroded integrity ners and monitored by the very same These actions were taken by the by dismissing signature authentication election workers. Yet our colleagues Commonwealth’s Governor and sec- on a ballot. who signed the brief only want to in- retary of state where the Pennsylvania Does anyone here believe the Penn- validate the Presidential votes. This is Supreme Court circumvented the au- sylvania legislature would have agreed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.052 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 to create a separate system for mail-in are as clear as they are overwhelming. Russian collusion are the same people ballots and in-person ballots? That if The only question that remains is this: trying to discredit hardworking Amer- you mail it in, you don’t need a signa- Will this House reaffirm our fidelity to ican poll watchers who are risking per- ture? But if you vote in person, you do our democracy, or will we end it? jury by signing affidavits confirming and it has to be authenticated? I must concede, Madam Speaker, I massive voter fraud in multiple States. Of course not. The legislature clearly have been naive about one subject. I al- The same fake news who took the wouldn’t have agreed to that. But that ways just assumed our democracy word of Christine Blasey Ford against didn’t stop the usurpation of constitu- would naturally endure, almost as if it Justice Kavanaugh, who her own tional authority. was predestined, I never even ques- friends denied happened, also dismissed Madam Chair, I vigorously support tioned it until the last several years. the sworn under penalty of perjury ac- this objection, and I include in the Two centuries ago, one of our Found- counts from people who witnessed the RECORD the objection to counting the ing Fathers cautioned against this no- election fraud. electoral votes for the State of Arizona tion. John Adams wrote, ‘‘Remember, The same fact-checkers who told you additional signers. democracy never lasts long. It soon that Dominion machines weren’t con- OBJECTION TO COUNTING THE ELECTORAL wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. nected to the internet and couldn’t be VOTES FOR THE STATE OF ARIZONA There was never a democracy yet that hacked are the same people telling you ADDITIONAL SIGNERS did not commit suicide.’’ that there has been no voter fraud and Jeff Duncan SC–3 I now realize the wisdom of his no violations of election law. But it has Matt Gaetz FL–1 words. Never again will I take for been proven that these machines are granted our democracy. It must be connected and that they can be hacked. b 0050 jealously defended by every generation. We have heard repeatedly argued Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- Always. that objecting to these ballots is un- vania. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposi- But, Madam Speaker, despite the constitutional and violates the rights tion. alarm, I feel that our democracy has of State legislatures. They would rath- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from been brought to this breaking point, as er us affirm fraud and pass the buck Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- we have seen today. Nonetheless, I still back to States rather than following utes. maintain hope. the process Madison, Hamilton, Jeffer- Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- Growing up in Philadelphia, raised in son, and the Framers of the Constitu- vania. Madam Speaker, tonight, we an immigrant family, I was often tion designed. will not be picking the President, for brought down to visit the historic When States fail to do their job, we the people did that on November 3. sights. Every summer, without fail, we are the last line of defense. Congress is Rather, tonight, in this House, we will would spend a day seeing Independence here for this exact situation. We are decide whether American democracy Hall, Congress Hall, the Liberty Bell. here to be the fail-safe when States survives. Let us be under no illusion. It was at Independence Hall where refuse to protect the people’s votes. These are the stakes. If this objection our Nation was declared free and our By objecting today, we are telling succeeds and the will of 7 million Penn- Constitution born. At the Constitu- the thousands of witnesses who signed sylvania voters is cast aside, it will be tional Convention, the oldest and most affidavits that we have their back, and the end of our representative democ- widely accomplished delegate was Ben- we will not allow local officials who racy. jamin Franklin, one of our greatest violate their own election laws to steal Now, there is no reasonable debate Founding Fathers and my city’s great- this election from those who lawfully about what happened in this election in est citizen. voted. Pennsylvania. Seven million Penn- On the final day, as the last delegates I yield to the gentleman from South sylvanians voted. Joe Biden won by were signing the Constitution, Frank- Carolina (Mr. NORMAN). over 81,000 votes. This was certified in lin pointed to the painted Sun on the Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise 67 counties by bipartisan local-elected back of the Convention chair. Observ- today to support the foundation of our officials, including Republicans. And ing the painters had found it difficult democracy, the Constitution of the every single court, whether the judge is to distinguish a rising Sun from a set- United States of America. This docu- a Democrat or a Republican, has re- ting Sun, Franklin went on to say: ment is the fabric and the solid founda- affirmed this outcome. I have often, during the course of this ses- tion of a nation we call America, which The objectors, however, claim we do sion, looked at that Sun without being able has been a beacon of hope and a shining not know the will of the people because to tell whether it was rising or setting. But city on the hill for over 230 years. the election in Pennsylvania was some- now, at length, I have the happiness to know The words of our Constitution, as how conducted corruptly. Much of it is a rising Sun. spelled out in Article II, Section 1, are their objection centers around the Madam Speaker, on a day like today, very clear when it comes to our elec- State law passed in 2019 known as Act when a mob has stormed the Capitol, tions: mandating, not suggesting, not 77 that gives voters the option of ex- and some Members are threatening the implying, but mandating that State panded mail-in voting. Objectors are core of our democracy, it can be hard legislatures, not secretaries of State, alleging that this law was somehow a to tell whether for American democ- not State commissions, not county of- brilliant plot by Democrats to dis- racy the Sun is rising or setting. But I ficials, not Governors, but State legis- advantage Republicans and rig elec- maintain my faith that tonight, by an lators prescribe the time, place, and tions. This is laughable. overwhelming bipartisan majority in manner of holding elections. Here are the facts. Act 77 was a Re- Congress, we will uphold the will of This mandate was not followed in the publican-led effort in a Republican- ‘‘We the People,’’ and our democracy great State of Pennsylvania. If we controlled legislature. Literally, every will live. allow this fraud to go on—in a football single Republican in the Pennsylvania Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Madam analogy, the moving of the goalpost Senate voted for it. And in the state- Speaker, I rise to support the objec- after the ball has been kicked and in house, the vote among Republicans was tion. the air—the preview of coming attrac- 105–2. The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman tions will be future elections that do Here is what the Republican speaker from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- not adhere to honest and open voting of the Pennsylvania House had to say utes. by ‘‘We the People’’ and the loss of our about Act 77: This bill does not benefit Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. I would great Republic. one party or the other or any one can- like to point out that all the cases that As a lady told me not long ago, don’t didate or single election. It serves to have been thrown out have been spit in my face and tell me it is rain- preserve the integrity of every election thrown out on standing, not the evi- ing. This is exactly what has happened and lift the voice of every voter in the dence of voter fraud. I would also like to the American people in this elec- Commonwealth. to point out the same people who, for 4 tion. In the words of Winston Church- So there is no question as to the years, have failed to find a shred of evi- ill, when Great Britain was under siege facts surrounding this election. They dence to convict President Trump of by Germany, he said: There will be a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.053 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H103 time when doing your best is not good In fact, contrary to the assertion of the Pennsylvania Constitution and fol- enough. We must do what is required. my colleague from Georgia across the lowed the letter of the law; but, unfor- And we must do what is required to aisle, not a single lawsuit in Pennsyl- tunately, that sentiment is not shared save this great Republic. vania alleged fraud. The gentlewoman across the Commonwealth. Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I rise in may not be aware of this, but allega- Today, my objection is not about opposition. tions of fraud require specificity and voter fraud; it is grounded on unconsti- The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman detail, and no lawyer could risk his or tutional measures taken by bureau- from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 her license to make such false claims. crats and partisan justices in the Com- minutes. I am heartened that several of the monwealth of Pennsylvania that have Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, as terri- country’s leading Republicans, includ- unlawfully changed how this election fying as today was here in the people’s ing Senate Republican Majority Leader was carried out. This potentially House, it was, thankfully, fairly short MCCONNELL, Senator MITT ROMNEY, changed the outcome and certainly in duration. In contrast, the pain and and former Republican Speaker of the caused millions of our States’ voters to fear that so many Americans are expe- House Paul Ryan, have spoken out question the election results. Other riencing this year has been long and against this political stunt. speakers have outlined this issue. continuous to this very moment. Senator ROMNEY said: ‘‘The egregious In brief, the Pennsylvania State Leg- Rather than pitting Americans ploy to reject electors may enhance the islature, in 2019, passed a bipartisan against Americans, as we are here, we political ambition of some, but dan- election law reform bill, and then the should be working to ensure rapid dis- gerously threatens our democratic Re- partisan Pennsylvania Supreme Court tribution of vaccines and adequate re- public.’’ took it upon themselves to rewrite lief to Americans who are struggling And as former Republican Represent- that law just 7 weeks before the elec- economically because of this horrific ative Charlie Dent from my district tion. They unlawfully legislated from pandemic. But we are not doing that. said, the claim by the President of the bench and made substantive Instead, we have witnessed a stunning voter fraud in our State ‘‘was simply changes to the law, including allowing assault on our democracy itself. reprehensible; the truth is that he sup- for unsecured drop boxes and ordering This challenge is not an act of patri- pressed his own vote by discouraging that ballots received after the election otism. The position of the objectors is mail-in voting.’’ be counted, among other things. completely incompatible with patriot- And as Pennsylvania State Senator The Pennsylvania Secretary of State ism. Our country is defined by her great Gene Yaw, also a Republican, has said: took it even further. Her unilateral, people, and our democracy is defined ‘‘My question is, if the mail-in voting unconstitutional changes resulted in above all else by our Constitution, a of Act 77 was so bad, why did The counties treating ballots differently so Constitution that these individuals Trump Organization send out a mail-in that some voters had the opportunity want to ignore because they have de- ballot application to every registered to change mail-in ballots to correct de- cided that their judgment, the judg- Republican in the State?’’ ficiencies, while in other counties, Today, I am thinking of all of the ment of a small minority of partisan their ballots simply were not counted. people who took the time to do their As Members of Congress, we serve as elites, should somehow override that of civic duty and vote, many standing in a voice for our constituents. This is the the more than 155 million Americans long lines or painstakingly researching one time I have a voice in this process, who participated in this election. That, how to vote by mail correctly. and I cannot simply look away when my friends, is not democracy. We reject these disgraceful attacks tens of thousands of my constituents b 0100 on the voters of Pennsylvania and this have real and legitimate concerns We should all remember this coun- attempt to throw out their votes. about how this election was conducted try’s founding was a rejection of mon- To those in this Chamber who may in Pennsylvania. archy, a rejection of the notion that cynically believe that stoking the In fact, I think an inadequate re- any one person could be all-powerful. forces of disinformation and division sponse to those concerns by Pennsyl- Our commitment to self-determination may be worth a short-term benefit to vania officials is one of the major prob- is what gave rise to our Declaration of their political careers, I would urge se- lems. Simple measures like audits Independence and our Constitution. It rious self-reflection. should be routine and random and sup- is why our Founders made the choice Our democracy is one of the most ported by both parties, and I believe to build a country anchored in respect precious resources of the American they are critical for restoring faith in for the rule of law rather than one tied people, protected against enormous Pennsylvania’s elections moving for- to the whims of men. It is why we have odds and at great sacrifice by each gen- ward. free and fair elections that allow us to eration of servicemembers and every- The bottom line for my constituents vote out those who hold office. day citizens who put their lives on the is that Pennsylvania’s officials, at all I am proud to join the vast majority line to build a freer and more equitable levels, failed to conduct a uniform and of my colleagues in both Chambers, Re- nation. They deserve better than what legal election, and for that reason, publicans and Democrats alike, in is happening in this Chamber today. they inappropriately and unlawfully making it clear that our democracy is Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I certified the State’s electors. bigger than any of us. rise today in support of the objection. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance Let’s be clear: Joe Biden and KAMALA The SPEAKER. The gentleman from of my time to the gentleman from HARRIS won a victory of 306 electoral Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- Pennsylvania (Mr. KELLER), my col- votes in the electoral college, the same utes. league. margin that President Trump won by Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I in 2016 when he called it a landslide. would like to start by making two thank the gentleman from Pennsyl- Nearly 7 million of my fellow Penn- basic points: vania (Mr. SMUCKER) for yielding. sylvanians braved this devastating Number one, individual States who Madam Speaker, the violence that pandemic and economic crisis to cast administer elections must ensure that occurred in the Capitol today was their ballots, culminating in a total they are conducted fairly, uniformly, shameful, unacceptable, and un-Amer- turnout of more than 70 percent, the and in accordance with the law; and ican. We are a nation of laws, not law- highest in the history of the Common- Number two, every American wants lessness, and we will never give in to wealth of Pennsylvania. And nation- to be, and deserves to be, confident the mob. wide, we saw record-breaking turnout. that our elections are secure and that Thank you to the men and women of Both in Pennsylvania and nationally, all eligible legal votes are counted ac- our Capitol Police and other law en- the President’s efforts to overturn the curately and in a transparent manner. forcement agencies who heroically de- election results in the courts failed re- And I will say this. In my district in fended this building. soundingly, with many of the strongest Lancaster and York Counties, I think The criminal behavior we witnessed rebukes coming from judges the Presi- that occurred. I am very proud of my today does not erase the facts before dent himself appointed. county election officials, who upheld us.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.056 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 I am objecting to the certification of Instead of using this time to dispute b 0110 Pennsylvania’s electoral votes because the results of our fair and lawful elec- Together, they exceeded their au- Governor Tom Wolf, Secretary of State tion, we should be spending this time thority by extending the deadline for Kathy Boockvar, and the Pennsylvania making sure vaccines are quickly given absentee ballots and by waiving signa- Supreme Court violated the State leg- to essential workers and our most vul- ture requirements for those ballots. islature’s clear constitutional author- nerable communities, that people are In their haste to make these changes, ity to set election proceedings. getting housing. the secretary and the court created Under the Pennsylvania Constitu- We should look at rental assistance. two different and unequal standards for tion, only the General Assembly has We should ensure that that is avail- voters. Pennsylvanians who chose to the power to set election law. able. vote in person still had to have their Additionally, Article II of the U.S. Small businesses, the engines of our signatures verified at their polling Constitution explicitly grants State economy, should be getting needed place, but those who chose to vote by legislatures, not the Governor acting grants and loans. mail did not. How is this process fair? alone and not the courts, the explicit That should be our focus. This objection is about Pennsylvania, power to determine the manner of ap- Hospitals desperately need support but it affects every State. As a State pointing Presidential electors. and help. We should be paying atten- Representative of New Mexico, Penn- Pennsylvania’s court unlawfully ex- tion to the needs of hospitals. sylvania’s unconstitutional actions dis- tended the deadline to receive absentee We are in the middle of a pandemic enfranchised my constituents and the and mail-in ballots. Governor Wolf’s where hundreds of thousands of people constituents of my colleagues. It is my administration dismissed signature au- are dying, and we are in a recession duty to give my constituents a voice. thentication procedures for absentee that is putting millions of Americans and mail-in ballots, allowed for the un- Signing these objections raises their at risk of hunger, homelessness, or concerns to the fullest extent my office even administration of the election both. It is time we start legislating for across counties, and unilaterally allows. the people. I, again, condemn in the strongest changed Pennsylvania’s election code One last person I want to mention is terms the violence that took place here without the State legislature’s con- our junior Senator, Senator TOOMEY. yesterday. We have many issues to sent. There are very few things that he and The Constitution is clear and the solve, including reforms to restore all I agree on, but he has stated very Americans’ faith in the fairness of our facts are indisputable. clearly that Joe Biden has won this This past weekend, each Member of elections. I look forward to those seri- election. He has stood up on the Senate this body stood in this Chamber and ous civil and peaceful debates. floor and he has stated that. swore an oath to protect and defend Madam Speaker, I yield the balance So it needs to be very clear that the our Constitution. I intend to fulfill my of my time to the gentleman from late Governor Thornburgh; Albert constitutional oath which the people of South Carolina (Mr. DUNCAN). Schmidt, the commissioner; and our Pennsylvania have entrusted in me. My Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, this current junior Senator all have one objection is grounded in the Constitu- process we are going through today tion and rule of law. thing in common: democracy first, par- isn’t about personalities. This isn’t If we allow the Governor to violate tisanship second. Let’s keep that in about Joe Biden or Donald Trump. As the constitutional rights of the Gen- mind. hard as some try to paint it that way, eral Assembly, what is stopping him Ms. HERRELL. Madam Speaker, I let me say that names and personal- from violating the constitutional rise in support of the objection. ities don’t matter. This is, gravely, rights of the 12.8 million Pennsylva- The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes about the Constitution of the United nians our State legislators were elected the gentlewoman from New Mexico for States. to represent? 5 minutes. Almost 20 years ago, after the at- Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise Ms. HERRELL. Madam Speaker, this tacks on 9/11, Americans were per- in opposition to the objection. is not how I imagined my first speech suaded to give up some of their con- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from in the House of Representatives or my stitutional liberties. Using the jus- Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- first week to be in Washington. tification of that global crisis, the ter- utes. The violence that occurred in this rorist attacks on that fateful day, Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rep- building yesterday is reprehensible and America saw the erosion of their lib- resent the Third District of Pennsyl- inexcusable. I am appalled by anyone erties for the safety and security many vania, which includes part of Philadel- who assaults our Nation’s law enforce- felt they may receive through the USA phia, the birthplace of America. It was ment officers. PATRIOT Act and other resulting in Philadelphia that the Constitution I swore an oath on Sunday to support processes too many felt would keep us of the United States was written and and defend the Constitution of the safe from another attack here on our signed, the very Constitution that we United States. We are here today de- shore. are all sworn to uphold as Members of layed, but not deterred, to debate a This year, using the justification of the House of Representatives. constitutional question and follow a the global pandemic, COVID–19, we We are elected to serve our constitu- constitutional process. once again saw our Nation’s Constitu- ents, and it is our job to represent The Constitution gives State legisla- tion violated. You see, the Constitu- them and their interests in Congress. tors, not State executives or judges, tion is clear in Article II, Madam Yesterday, I spoke to the son of the the sole authority to determine how Speaker, that the power and duty to late Dick Thornburgh, who is a two- their State selects Presidential elec- set the manner of national elections time Republican Governor of Pennsyl- tors. rests solely with the State legislatures. vania and was Attorney General under Nobody disputes that in Pennsyl- That power doesn’t rest with us. That President Ronald Reagan and Presi- vania, as well as in other States, rules power didn’t rest in the hands of dent Bush. His son stressed to me that and regulations were changed by execu- unelected county election officials, sec- his father would have wanted the rule tive fiat or judicial edict. retaries of state, or a supreme court of law to prevail regardless of the polit- These changes were significant and but, rather, in the hands of the State ical outcome, because he cared more irregular. They included changes to legislatures, which pass laws setting about the safeguarding of democracy vote-by-mail deadlines, identity verifi- the manner of elections held in their than partisanship. cation requirements, and other ballot States. In addition, Al Schmidt, who was a handling practices. This year, using the extraordinary Republican commissioner of elections, In Pennsylvania specifically, the circumstance of the COVID–19 pan- said, when Philadelphia certified its re- Democrat Secretary of the Common- demic, we witnessed these duly passed sults on November 23: ‘‘I’m proud that wealth and the Democrat-controlled laws circumvented and usurped time the birthplace of our Republic held the Pennsylvania Supreme Court usurped and again, not by having the laws most transparent and secure election the constitutional authority of the changed in the respective State legisla- in the history of Philadelphia.’’ State legislature. tive bodies, but those laws arbitrarily

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.058 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H105 and unilaterally changed by county so too must the votes for President- truth. They inspire confidence and clerks; secretaries of state; and, in this elect Biden. unity rather than sowing division and case of Pennsylvania, an elected su- We have also heard today concerns strife. There is a striking parallel be- preme court, which is supposed to in- about mail-in ballots. I am not a law- tween our nascent country and what terpret the law, not make law. yer, but I am an engineer and, there- they endured in Valley Forge and what When those nonlegislative entities fore, a student of numbers. It wasn’t we are enduring right now: A hard win- change the laws without getting the just Democrats who voted by mail. It ter of division, illness running ramp- general assemblies to change the law, was not a free-for-all, as it was de- ant, and an uncertain future. in my opinion, the resulting ballots scribed earlier. Madam Speaker, 600,000 Today, our country’s resolve is being cast, either by mail or in person, those Republicans in Pennsylvania across the tested, and I know that we will pass ballots were illegal under the law. State voted by mail. By questioning this test together and be made strong- Illegal ballots should not be counted. the election results, you are telling er. We now have the opportunity and Therefore, the resulting electoral votes those Pennsylvanians that the hours the responsibility to do that tonight by should be considered invalid. they spent in line to cast their ballot upholding the will of the people, by What bothers me is that so many of or the trip they took to the post office voting to certify the results of this you are okay with that, that so many in the middle of a pandemic just didn’t electoral college and by moving for- Americans, because their person won, matter. ward with a servant heart and a com- you are okay with the manner in which Alan Novak is a man who served as mon resolve to preserve this great ex- that victory was gained. the chair of the Republican Party in periment that is the United States of It is politics. Look, I get it. But we Pennsylvania for nearly a decade. I will America. didn’t swear an oath to play politics. say that again. The Chair of the Repub- Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in We swore an oath to the United States lican Party of Pennsylvania for a dec- support of the objection. Constitution. As George Washington ade is one of those voters I am talking The SPEAKER. The gentleman from said: The Constitution is the guide about in Pennsylvania. He lives in my Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. which I will never abandon. district, and he split his ticket. He Mr. BABIN. It is with great pride and Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, I voted for me as his Member of Congress a profound sense of responsibility that rise in opposition to the objection. and also for President Trump. And he I object to the 2020 election in the The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman eloquently said: State of Pennsylvania. from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 What makes America great, exceptional, I am very proud to stand alongside minutes. and enduring is our commitment to our gov- fellow patriots who have pushed back Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, ernment of laws, our orderly constitutional against a fraudulent and criminal elec- first, I do want to acknowledge the process that settles our election disputes, tion process—a process that was the devastating events of the last 12 hours and our peaceful transfer of power with re- antithesis to the very rule of law that spect and civility. It is easy when it is pretty governs these United States. and to express my deep appreciation and the outcome is not controversial. But for those who have worked to secure when it is not pretty and there is con- At the same time, standing here to- this building and safeguard our democ- troversy, then it is even more important night is surreal because this is a crit- racy. On behalf of my colleagues, we that we respect, honor, and abide by our re- ical juncture that will undoubtedly de- are all grateful for your service. vered and tested process for the orderly termine the survivability of this great I ran for this office on a platform of transfer of power. Perhaps that may be all Republic. civility and decency, and many of my that we can agree on, and it is the need for Our free and fair election process— colleagues and constituents know that grace, respect, and civility. and by extension, the people’s trust in I am a third-generation veteran, and I So I ask my colleagues across the its legitimacy—is what has separated grew up in a military household. aisle: Are you willing to disenfranchise us as a nation. A process that we have people like Mr. Novak and the more shared with the world, its moral force. b 0120 than 400,000 people in Pennsylvania’s A process that now, sadly, has been Madam Speaker, what you may not Sixth District? bastardized by those more interested in know, though, is that I grew up in a di- Perhaps some of the independent and the maintenance of power than they vided household. Throughout my child- pragmatic spirit that is so prevalent are in the free and open voice of the hood, one parent voted Democrat and among voters in my community comes American people. the other Republican. In my purple from the history of the place that we If I remember correctly, Democrats household, I learned that duty to coun- call home. Many Americans have vis- were calling for transparency in 2000 try was far more important than party ited Philadelphia and our historic and 2004, when George W. Bush was allegiance. With each election, my fa- sites, but very few make it out to my elected; and again in 2016, when Presi- ther would say: ‘‘And when the election community, which is the home of Val- dent Trump took office. is done, we salute smartly and we carry ley Forge. Here, General George Wash- Where are you now? on.’’ ington led the Continental Army to I ask this, Madam Speaker: What do Now I live in and I serve in a commu- winter quarters. The war had not been you have to lose by having a thorough nity that has a lot in common with the going well for our young soldiers, and investigation to determine the validity home that I grew up in. It, too, is a that winter was harder still. It was bit- of these votes? purple place that honors civility and terly cold, and food shortages and Why not encourage an investigation decency. Pennsylvania’s Sixth District smallpox were abundant. Many people to relieve the concerns of half of the is, in many ways, a microcosm of the died. people in this country? Commonwealth and of our Nation. Our We remember what happened there If you are so convinced that Biden voter registration in Chester County is because it was a test of our endurance, was elected legitimately, what do you 40–40–20, R, D, and I. Voters across my a demonstration of devotion to mission have to fear? district commonly split their ticket, and to our country over ourselves. If there was no fraud, simply show us some voting for President-elect Biden Coming out of that awful winter expe- the proof. Investigate it. Validate it. while also voting down the ballot for rience, our troops emerged better This isn’t about one candidate versus Republicans for our State legislature. trained, united, and ultimately vic- another. This is about upholding the What some of my colleagues are ar- torious. In those harsh, dark times, principles that are indispensable to the guing today is that those very ballots they found their common ground and existence of the democratic Republic are illegitimate. My colleagues cannot their fortitude. that we are so fortunate to call home. honestly believe that. In fact, just this Just like then, it is in these trying I have no doubt that there was wide- week they joined me on the House floor moments when we learn who our lead- spread election fraud this past Novem- to be sworn in to this hallowed body, ers truly are. They are the ones who ber, and I am not alone. I stand here and they trusted that the votes cast in don’t just represent the people or give today speaking for 75 million Ameri- their favor were legitimate. And they orders or ready us for a fight. They are cans whose voice was unconstitution- are right. If those votes counted, then those who educate and who speak ally silenced.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.060 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 To you, the silenced, I say this: I will Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, this is a The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman continue to fight for you. You have sad day for America—a day of shame, a from Florida is recognized for 5 min- been heard. For more than 240 years, day of ignominy, an attack on this utes. tyranny has sought to extinguish the Capitol, an attack on our country. Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, as light of freedom. Madam Speaker, our words matter. a new Representative here, I did not As Ronald Reagan said before: Free- Mobs, thugs, insurrectionists, domestic envision my first speech on the House dom is a fragile thing, and it is never terrorists attacked our government floor to be this, here tonight, but rath- more than one generation away from with the aim of attacking our free and er, a tribute to our first responders and extinction. fair elections. frontline workers who have been a The Constitution and the Bible on Make no mistake, these terrorists shining light in an otherwise tough which it stands is stronger than the came armed, armed with false flags; year for us all. cheap tyrannical tactics of those who armed with hate; armed with weapons; After the events tonight, I am espe- seek to destroy it. and, tragically, armed with lies force- cially grateful for our men and women Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- fed to them by those at the highest who put service above self, confronting tleman from North Carolina (Mr. level of government, including some lawlessness and danger while pro- BUDD). from the legislative and, yes, the exec- tecting this very Chamber, its Mem- Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, mob vio- utive branches. Incited by the one at bers, and our constitutional Republic. lence is not representative of our coun- the highest level of government, they As a Member of the people’s House, try or of this building. The American attacked people, property, this Capitol, and the wife of a first responder, thank people—at least the ones who are still this cathedral of democracy. you to our law enforcement here today. up watching right now—have seen this Words matter. In his last words to But, especially, after tonight’s unac- body return to a peaceful debate. And our Nation and to all of us here, our ceptable breach of the people’s House, I that is the American way. So let’s get dear colleague, John Lewis, wrote last am furthermore resolved in the fact back to that debate and let’s talk for a July: ‘‘Democracy is not a state. It is that we, as representatives of the peo- moment about Pennsylvania. an act.’’ And each generation has an ple, must take a stand for every Ameri- For decades, absentee voting was re- obligation to preserve its institutions. can’s right to a free and fair election as served for members of the military and Democracy is a series of acts, acts by guaranteed by the Constitution. citizens who are medically or phys- you and by me, by citizens, one build- Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the ically unable to get to the polls. But in ing upon the other and another—not Constitution explicitly rests the time 2019, Pennsylvania dramatically in- acts that we have heard and seen and and manner of our elections in the creased the amount of ballots that suffered today, words and acts to incite hands of our State legislatures. How- would be cast in the Presidential elec- violence, acts that tear at the very fab- ever, State law in the 2020 election was tion through expanded, no-excuse, ric of our democracy. modified or circumvented without ap- mail-in voting. Madam Speaker, yet, I have hope. proval of the State legislature. These On September 17, Pennsylvania’s We, too, are armed. We are armed with actions are in clear violation of the Democrat-controlled Supreme Court the facts. We are armed with the truth. Constitution, specifically Article II, violated the Constitution by extending We are armed with the love of our Section 1, Clause 2, which grants State the deadline to receive mail-in ballots. country. We are armed with our sworn legislatures the sole authority to es- Article II states that legislatures, not oaths. And we are armed with our pre- tablish how State Presidential electors the courts, determine the time, man- cious Constitution. are appointed. ner, and place of their States’ elec- We have faced tyranny and insurrec- These changes, along with other elec- tions. But Pennsylvania’s high court tion before. We are here tonight to her- tion irregularities throughout the 2020 directed the State officials to assume ald to America and to the world: We election, require me, as a Member of that non-postmarked ballots were re- will defend our democracy, and we will this body, to object to the certification ceived on time without any evidence endure. of these electoral votes, just as my col- that they were sent before election Madam Speaker, when I came into leagues across the aisle have objected day. work this morning, as I was preparing to every Republican Presidential elec- On October 23, while early voting was to come to the floor, I read Tom Fried- tion over the last 20 years. already underway, the State supreme man’s op-ed, which began with the Tonight, as we undertake the very court ruled that election officials did words from the Gospel of Mark: For serious responsibility of debating these not have to authenticate signatures for what shall it profit a man if he gain State electoral certifications, I urge mail-in ballots. the whole world but lose his soul? my colleagues to listen earnestly and To sum it up, Pennsylvania officials For what shall it profit any man. with an open mind, remembering that illegally did three critical things: Madam Speaker, I urge my Repub- just 3 days ago, we swore an oath to One, they radically expanded vote by lican colleagues to have the courage to the United States Constitution, not a mail for virtually any reason. uphold their oath, courage like that of political party. Two, they removed restrictions when Congresswoman Margaret Chase Our constituents are counting on us. a ballot can be sent in. Smith, a lifelong Republican and the Our country is counting on us. Our Three, they removed signature verifi- cation on those very ballots. first in her party to speak out against children are counting on us, and we Just this week, the Pennsylvania McCarthyism. Putting duty over fear, cannot let them down. Senate pleaded with Members of this she said: ‘‘I do not want to see the Re- Madam Speaker, in December, 25 of body to delay certification until the publican Party ride to political victory my freshman colleagues and I sent you Supreme Court resolves these disputes. on the Four Horsemen of Calumny— a letter imploring you to investigate The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear. these election irregularities. To date, violated their own constitution. They Surely, we Republicans are not that we have not received a response. That violated the U.S. Constitution. They desperate for victory.’’ brings us to today. My colleagues across the aisle have opened the door for thousands of un- Madam Speaker, for today, we have verifiable ballots. seen the cost of victory by such means. repeatedly invoked our Founding Fa- Because they failed to guarantee the It shook the very walls of this building. ther, Benjamin Franklin, who fa- integrity of their votes, I cannot con- Our colleagues know there is no truth mously said: We have a republic, if we sent to accepting Pennsylvania’s elec- to this challenge. can keep it. toral votes. For what shall it profit a man. I say, let’s keep it. Madam Speaker, it has been my sol- Madam Speaker, it is with that senti- b 0130 emn honor to participate in this sad ment in mind that I ask my colleagues Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in day. I pray for our country. to defend the power vested in this leg- opposition to the challenge. Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I islative branch by the U.S. Constitu- The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman rise to support the objection of the tion and reject the certification of the from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 electoral certification of the Common- electoral votes of the State in ques- minutes. wealth of Pennsylvania. tion. It is our responsibility to have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.062 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H107 courage in the face of adversity and Madam Speaker, I wanted to point Mr. GRIFFITH. Yes, ma’am. The bring integrity back to this process. out to all these great lovers and sup- point of order would be that the gen- Madam Speaker, I yield the balance porters of the Pennsylvania legislature tleman said that there were lies on this of my time to the gentleman from the that it was the Republican Pennsyl- floor here today, looking over in this great State of Texas (Mr. ARRINGTON). vania legislature that passed a Repub- direction. I ask that those words be Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I lican bill that they all voted for and taken down. thank the gentlewoman from the great supported that set up the system under We may have a disagreement on mat- State of Florida (Mrs. CAMMACK), my which we just ran the election, and ters, but— friend. that the reason the President lost was The SPEAKER. Madam Speaker, as Americans, we because he was not as popular as other The gentleman’s demand is not time- believe governments receive their just Republicans in our State. He got fewer ly. powers from the consent of the gov- votes than all of them. The gentleman from Pennsylvania erned. That sacred transaction can Madam Speaker, I wanted to lay out will proceed. only happen legitimately in a free and all this evidence because I thought it Mr. LAMB. Madam Speaker, the fact fair election. was a sign of respect for my colleagues is, at the end of the day, it hurts. It Election integrity is the very life- and for all the Americans out there hurts them; it hurts this country. It blood of our unrivaled system of self- who don’t know who to trust. I was hurts all of us. But the fact is that the government. The law and the Constitu- raised on that. I was raised on that re- people have made this country work by tion gave Congress not only the au- spect, which makes this a hard speech not giving in. thority but, I believe, the responsi- for me to give. Because to do this with Go ahead. Shout it out. bility to serve as the last check on the One last thing to say, Madam Speak- any kind of honesty means admitting integrity of our Presidential elections. er. And I thank you for your patience. and declaring in this House that these We either believe, according to statute, All people need to know tonight, objections don’t deserve an ounce of re- that every elector was ‘‘lawfully cer- Madam Speaker— spect—not an ounce. tified’’ and ‘‘regularly given,’’ or we Madam Speaker, the truth hurts. But don’t. b 0140 the fact is this: We want this govern- States certainly have broad dele- A woman died out there tonight, and ment to work more than they want it gated powers to administer Federal you are making these objections. to fail. elections, but they still must operate Let’s be clear about what happened After everything that has happened within the bounds of the Constitution. in this Chamber today. Invaders came today, we want that more than ever. Despite receiving numerous peti- in for the first time since the War of Know that. Know that, the people tions—to the detriment of the country, 1812. They desecrated these Halls and watching at home. We want this gov- I might add—the Supreme Court failed this Chamber and practically every ernment to work. We will make it to answer the most important question inch of ground where we work. For the work. They will not make it fail. of the 2020 election: Can entities out- most part, they walked in here free. A PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY side of the State legislatures make lot of them walked out free. There Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, par- election law? wasn’t a person watching at home who liamentary inquiry. The plain language of Article II of didn’t know why that was—because of The SPEAKER. The gentleman will the Constitution answers the question the way that they look. state his parliamentary inquiry. unequivocally no. My point, Madam Speaker, is this: Mr. PERRY. When is the appropriate The decisions made today in these Enough has been done here already to time to ask that the words be stricken, Chambers are of the utmost con- try to strip this Congress of its dignity, be taken down? sequence, and the horrible precedent and these objectors don’t need to do The SPEAKER. Immediately after that will be established if we don’t act anymore. the words are uttered. For what purpose does the gentleman will have lasting impact on our beloved We know that that attack today from Louisiana seek recognition? Republic. didn’t materialize out of nowhere. It Madam Speaker, this proceeding is Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Madam was inspired by lies, the same lies that not just about the integrity of this Speaker, I rise in support of the objec- you are hearing in this room tonight. election. It is about ensuring the integ- tion. And the Members who are repeating rity of all future elections. The SPEAKER. The gentleman is I take no pleasure or pride in making those lies should be ashamed of them- recognized for 5 minutes. my objection today, nor do I wish for selves. Their constituents should be Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Madam any State electors to be disqualified. ashamed of them. Speaker, my, my, my. Let us take a However, based on the law, the Con- We know what is going to happen as deep breath, shall we? stitution, and my conscience, I cannot soon as I walk away, what has hap- Madam Speaker, the cornerstone of support certifying votes from any pened all night tonight, what will con- the strength of our American Republic State that violated the Constitution. tinue to happen. They will take these is not only the peaceful transition of Madam Speaker, this decision is not same symbols, these same concepts, power; it is the peaceful transition of a about loyalty to a President. It is smuggle them into their arguments, lawful power. It is within the param- about my fidelity to the Constitution and make the same arguments. I want eters of our oath, indeed, is our duty to and the oath that I swore. people at home, anyone who is still inquire if we suspect that perhaps our Mr. LAMB. Madam Speaker, I rise in watching, to know that these argu- elections have been compromised. opposition. ments are not for them; they are for Much has been said about what we do The SPEAKER. The gentleman from you. not know. What we do not know calls Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- None of the evidence we wanted to for investigation. utes. discuss here tonight will change their What we do know is that, in the dis- Mr. LAMB. Madam Speaker, I came opinions or what they are about to say. puted States, Governors, secretaries of here tonight prepared to talk about the But you need to know that is not the state, or local election commissions place I represent and how well the end. It is not as if there is nothing we acted in violation of the Election Democratic and Republican county of- can do because of that. And if there Clause of the U.S. Constitution, where- ficials ran our election. I wanted to was, I don’t think this Nation would in State legislatures are granted the point out that in my home county of have made it to almost 250 years. sole authority to determine how Presi- Allegheny County, in the place they The fact is, Madam Speaker, that at dential electors are appointed. It is were counting the votes, there were 31 the end of the day, people— that simple. State executive officials video cameras—31—in the same place, POINT OF ORDER usurped the constitutionally vested au- just showing people counting votes, Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, thority of State legislatures within every single one of them on paper, with point of order. several of the sovereign States. representatives from both campaigns The SPEAKER. The gentleman will Now, why we are involved in Con- watching. state his point of order. gress? Because the Founders gave us a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.064 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 narrow role. If we suspect that an elec- The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman how claims of election misconduct are tion was compromised in a sovereign from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 made. It is easy to make wild claims of State, then we have a role in the seat- minutes. election fraud on cable television or ing of those electors and the counting. Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I Twitter, but those claims are not facts. America is not a confederacy of started this day disheartened that our And while there may be no immediate States. We are a union of States. We colleagues were going to drag us consequences for misleading the public are a representative republic. There- through this cynical political charade with such statements, there is cer- fore, each sovereign State has a deep of objecting to duly certified electoral tainly a penalty for misleading the obligation to follow the writ of its own college votes, but I was ready and courts. election law during a Federal election. eager to defend Pennsylvania’s elec- A lawyer faces fines, jail, and loss of We would not be having this con- tions and the will of Pennsylvania’s his or her license for making frivolous versation if our objections were solely voters. or false claims. The lawyers for the rested upon the elections of sovereign Never did I expect to be answering Trump campaign never alleged wide- State Governors or State senators and calls from family and friends concerned spread fraud or illegal voting had im- representatives. It is a Federal election for my safety or to have to barricade pacted Pennsylvania’s elections be- for the President and Vice President of myself in an office. But most impor- cause those claims are false. the United States. We certainly have a tant of all, never did I expect to see our When our colleagues indulge in this role, and we should investigate and Capitol overrun by armed insurrection- political theatre and endorse fringe support that role. ists intent on disrupting our govern- conspiracy theories, they may think Madam Speaker, America is an ment at the urging of the President. there are no consequences because they anointed nation, born of imperfect men What happened here today has made know that this time the majorities of driven by perfect intent. May we be me heart-sick for our country, but it the House and Senate will overrule worthy of what it is to be an American, only strengthens my resolve to uphold them. But as the entire world saw what it is to be a representative of the the rule of law and to protect the deci- today, their baseless claims of election American people. sion of Pennsylvania’s voters. fraud do have consequences. They un- May I ask, may we seek the quiet Earlier this week, we raised our dermine faith and respect for our elec- whisper of God’s own voice within us. hands and swore an oath to bear true tions and our government. They chip And I ask my colleagues to consider faith and allegiance to the Constitu- away at the foundation of our constitu- supporting this objection. tion of the United States. But, today, tional Republic and they take a sledge- I yield the balance of my time to the those who are blocking the counting of hammer to the peaceful transfer of gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. VAN electors from Pennsylvania are show- power. It is our job to respect the rule DREW). ing that their allegiance lies not to the Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, be- of law and reject this political charade. Constitution or to their constituents, Finally, I want to offer my deepest fore I start, something I didn’t plan on and many would argue not even to the respect to our Republican colleagues in saying. This is a debate. It is a discus- Republican Party, but to their own po- both the House and the Senate who sion. Everybody has a right to an opin- litical fortunes and the outgoing Presi- have withstood intense political pres- ion. That is American. Because some- dent. sure, and today honor their oath in the one doesn’t agree with your view or Pennsylvania’s voters, not Members rule of law by rejecting these un- your ideas does not mean that they are of Congress, are tasked with choosing founded objections. liars. It means they have a different Pennsylvania’s Presidential electors, Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam view, a different opinion. and particularly not congressmen from Speaker, I rise in favor of the objec- And I think, for God’s sake, as people other States. The people have spoken, tion. watch this or see it or hear it, they ex- and Pennsylvania certified our elec- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from pect more from us than that. We can tors. We must respect our oath here by Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. disagree at a certain level. There is rejecting this unfounded objection to Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam nothing worse than moral pomposity. Pennsylvania’s electoral votes, and not Speaker, I would first like to say to my You know, today was an amazing and substitute Congress’ judgment for that colleagues on the other side of the aisle terrible day. But one thing that we do of the people of Pennsylvania. who said we should be ashamed over know is that our law enforcement pro- Legal challenges to elections are se- here, I am not ashamed, and neither tected lives, and they protected and rious matters, and that is why there is are my colleagues over here. We are ac- preserved our democracy. I watched a place to consider those challenges: In tually proud of what we are doing and firsthand, as I always have, just as I do courtrooms before impartial judges. what we are standing for. So I hope the back home in south Jersey, these brave And Pennsylvania’s legal process has RECORD will show that. men and women put their lives on the worked. The pseudo-legal arguments Yesterday’s cowardly attack on our line to defend all of us. that are being raised by the objectors American democracy was a horrible May God bless the woman who lost here today are not new. Over the past act. While Congress attempted to exe- her life today, and may God bless what 2 months, the President and his allies cute their constitutional duty to de- will always be the greatest Nation in have filed more than 20 lawsuits to bate and vote on this certification of the history of the world: the United challenge the Pennsylvania election. States of America. the electoral college, violence inter- At the core of our country’s great- Those challenges have been rejected in rupted the proceedings in an attempt ness is our democratic system of gov- Federal courts, State courts, appellate to stop the democratic process. ernment. Without faith in the integrity courts, and the United States Supreme Those who committed these acts are of our elections, Americans will not Court. Challenges have been rejected domestic terrorists and should be pros- have faith in our democracy. by judges who are registered Demo- ecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The United States of America is the crats, Republicans, Independents, and And I thank the Capitol Police and all international embodiment of freedom who have been appointed by Demo- of the law enforcement organizations and opportunity, the shining city on a cratic and Republican Presidents. that pushed back against this mob. hill. Free and fair elections have al- And why did they lose all those I can’t help but be reminded of the ways been a hallmark of America’s cases? bravery during the baseball shooting greatness. As Third Circuit Judge Bibas, a on myself and my Republican col- After this past Presidential election, Trump appointee, wrote, ‘‘Free, fair leagues in June of 2017. I thank God approximately 60 million Americans elections are the lifeblood of our de- every day for their presence. have serious doubts about the outcome. mocracy. Charges of unfairness are se- The American people deserve full That is a number that we cannot ig- rious. But calling an election unfair transparency in the electoral process, nore. does not make it so. Charges require with confidence that any irregularities specific allegations and then proof. We and inconsistencies in that process will b 0150 have neither here.’’ be fully investigated. Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I What the Court said points to an im- As a former Texas secretary of state, rise in opposition to the objection. portant distinction about when and I know the electoral process well. And

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.065 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H109 above all, I know what the courts, the What unites each and every genera- ing about Act 77, how the Republicans executive branch, and the elections of- tion of Americans is the idea that in Pennsylvania were falling all over ficials can and cannot do without ap- those who submit themselves to the themselves to pass this law for mail-in proval of the State legislature. During authority of government ought to have voting because they thought it would my tenure, I knew that my authority a voice in that same government. help them. was confined to the powers the legisla- We are Americans here in this Cham- You heard Representative SCANLON ture provided me. If States fail to abide ber and in this country. But what does explaining why there were no allega- by the Constitution and follow their it really mean to be an American? It tions of fraud made in court because a owns laws, it calls into question wheth- means believing in the rule of law. It lawyer going into court and lying to er the votes in Texas, or any other means speaking up in defense of our the court gets his or her ticket to prac- State, are fairly represented. founding principles and in defense of tice law punched. They can be dis- And now, as a duly elected Member of the Constitution. barred. Congress, the Constitution outlines my Being an American means that you Politicians can say anything on cable rights to speak and voice my constitu- are proud of your country but that you TV, but they have to be darn careful ents’ concerns with my vote. It is piv- never beat your chest. And being an when they are in court. So all these big otal that we have free and fair elec- American means that sometimes you TV talkers never alleged fraud in tions in our representative democracy must stand alone while others sit. court. and, more importantly, that we trust Now, obviously, I can’t stand, but Let me tell you about one court case. in the results of those elections. trust me, if I could stand, I would stand It was a case where they brought on In no way is voicing an objection an in defense of our Constitution today. their best legal talent. It was a case attempt to overturn an election. And Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, where they drew as a judge a staunch, when this process is complete and all I rise in opposition. principled, conservative Republican, objections have been heard, I acknowl- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Judge Matthew Brann. He called this edge that we will have a peaceful trans- Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- case ‘‘strained legal arguments without fer of power on January 20. utes. merit’’ and ‘‘speculative accusations.’’ Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, Faith in our system must be restored He called it ‘‘like Frankenstein’s mon- I completely agree with my colleague and Americans must be confident that ster,’’ a ‘‘haphazardly stitched to- Representative DWIGHT EVANS, and I their vote matters, and only lawful gether’’ case. remind this Chamber that Pennsyl- votes will be counted. This is a sad day Judge Brann said he ‘‘has no author- vania is the cradle of American democ- in our Nation’s history, but a solemn ity to take away the right to vote of racy. even a single person, let alone millions reminder that our country will not fal- We can’t claim to be the birthplace of citizens.’’ ter and will not fail. In God we trust. of American democracy. That would be On appeal Judge Bibas, a Trump ap- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- a disservice to James Otis, Jr., who, in pointee writing for the Third Circuit, tleman from North Carolina (Mr. 1761, stood up in a Massachusetts agreed. He said: ‘‘Calling an election CAWTHORN). courtroom and argued against the Mr. CAWTHORN. Madam Speaker, as unfair does not make it so. Charges re- King’s writs of assistance. I said in my convention speech, I want But Pennsylvania is the cradle of de- quire specific allegations and then a new generation of Americans to be mocracy. It is where we hosted the proof. We have neither here.’’ So, we have judges—dozens and doz- radicals—to be radicals for freedom signing of the Declaration of Independ- ens of them, Federal judges, State and for liberty, but not radicals for vio- ence and the American Constitution. lence. I am bitterly disappointed by the It was Pennsylvanians who imme- judges, Democrats, Republicans—turn- protest that happened yesterday. The diately went to battle to defend this ing away these challenges. All they actions of a violent few were cowardly idea of democracy. They went right ever wanted was evidence. and pathetic, and I am not afraid to after Bunker Hill to the Siege of Bos- Here is the number-one rule when call it out. ton. American riflemen were instru- you go to court: Don’t forget to bring The Republican Party is a party of mental at the transformational Battles the evidence with you. limited government. It is the big tent of Trenton and Saratoga in victory. This objection, in all seriousness, re- party. It is not the party of destruc- And it is Independence Hall where flects the most profound disrespect to tion. these documents got signed, the Dec- our American judiciary. We Pennsylva- Madam Speaker, the oath I took just laration of Independence and the Con- nians understand democracy. It was in days ago demand that I speak out in stitution. Pennsylvania that our Founders signed defense not of one President or an- You heard my colleagues. You heard the Constitution, and Article II makes other, but in defense of a hallowed doc- Representative HOULAHAN talking it plain as day: We elect our President. ument that has safeguarded this Re- about the privations at Valley Forge, We don’t have a king. public for over 200 years. The Constitu- all in support of creating democracy. If you can undo a Presidential elec- tion grants power solely to State legis- You heard Representative BRENDAN tion simply by alleging that something latures to determine how elections are F. BOYLE quoting John Adams, that de- was amiss, then we don’t have a democ- carried out. When other officials who mocracy only dies by suicide. racy at all. We have something else en- are not vested with constitutional au- You heard Representative DEAN tirely. thority usurp their role and grind the quoting John Lewis, our hero, who And if we vote to sustain this objec- Constitution under their heel, I must said: Democracy is not a state. It is an tion, we are not upholding our Con- object. act. stitution at all. We are doing some- thing else entirely. b 0200 You heard Representative WILD talk- ing about this stunning assault on our Let’s vote ‘‘no’’ on this objection. Our Nation is a nation of resilience. democracy. Mr. DAVIDSON. Madam Speaker, I In Valley Forge, George Washington If it seems like we get a little prickly rise in support of this objection. prayed for a republic to be formed from in Pennsylvania about assaulting de- The SPEAKER. The gentleman from the ashes of a monarchy. At Gettys- mocracy, you are right. We do. Penn- Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes. burg, Americans gave their lives to de- sylvania is the cradle of democracy. Mr. DAVIDSON. Madam Speaker, fend a very simple idea, that the Amer- You heard how foolish and empty every one of us swore an oath to sup- ican democracy that had been earned these challenges are. Representative port and defend the Constitution of the with the blood of their forefathers LAMB said it: 31 cameras filming the United States against all enemies, both would not perish due to internal divi- place where the count was happening, foreign and domestic. I swore that oath sion. resulting in thousands of hours of vid- in uniform, and the first part of that Then, on the islands of Iwo Jima and eotape—you can see it on YouTube— oath is the same as what we swear here Okinawa, American servicemen gave proving there was no fraud. in Congress. their lives to defend this Nation’s free- You heard Representatives MICHAEL The last time we needed to defend dom from fascism. F. DOYLE and BRENDAN F. BOYLE talk- our Constitution against a domestic

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The future of telling them the truth: the emperor means one person gets one vote. It our Republic depends on it. has no clothes. doesn’t mean that other citizens can Benjamin Franklin, in the summer of I know many are disappointed in the dilute the votes of other citizens and 1787, during the heated debate to create result, but what legacy are we leaving? deprive them of equal protection. And our sacred Constitution, said these fa- Have our kids seen the day where Ron- it doesn’t mean that a State can do mous words: ‘‘I have lived long, sir, a ald Reagan and Tip O’Neill had a beer that by law or by practice. long time . . . and the longer I live, the over their differences, or have they So whether the law was changed and more convincing proofs I see of this learned that to lead, you must tweet, made it such that there is no way to truth . . . that God governs in the af- and sometimes all in caps, because now provide equal protection—one person, fairs of men. this is Hollywood, fame is the ultimate one vote—or the practice was cor- ‘‘And, if a sparrow cannot fall to the goal? rupted, it cannot stand. Frankly, last- ground without His notice, is it prob- But the first step that we can take to ly, it must guarantee that there is a able that an empire can rise without restore this is to reject the charade, proof that it was equal protection His aid? We have been assured, sir, in and what happens next is up to us. under the law. the sacred writing that ‘Except the We get threatened with primaries; we None of that happened in a number of Lord build it, they labor in vain that worry about the political implications. States. The people of America, tens of build it.’ ’’ But our names will long be forgotten; millions of them who came out to vote, Madam Speaker, I pray that we the legacy of now will exist. have been unheard by this body and by would turn to the God Almighty that The bottom line: If we ask men and far too many courts. We need to show ordained our Nation into being to help women to be willing to give their lives them the respect they are due by the us in our time of need. for this Nation and we talk about their Constitution of the United States of Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I service with tears in our eyes, America, the Constitution that we rise in opposition to the objection. shouldn’t we be willing to give up our fought to sustain to end the era of Jim The SPEAKER. The gentleman from jobs to uphold that Constitution? Crow to pass civil rights legislation, Illinois is recognized for 5 minutes. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, as tlewoman from Washington (Ms. HER- Act, and so many other pieces of juris- a student of foreign policy, if somebody RERA BEUTLER). prudence. described to me the actions that we Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Will the gen- saw, I would have assumed we were in Speaker, is this a country, is this an tleman yield? a failed nation or a banana republic. Mr. DAVIDSON. I yield to the gen- America that we want to give to our Storming past police, some carrying children, a country of lawlessness, of tleman from Ohio. the flag of the Confederacy, the mob The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- might makes right, of mob rule? breached this House. Previous generations of Americans tleman needs to maintain his position But there is good news: The democ- have laid down their lives to answer and control of the time. racy held today. ‘‘no’’ to that question. I do not want to Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam For the last few years, misinforma- be the first generation of Americans so Speaker, I rise in support of this objec- tion and fear has been fed into people selfish as to answer ‘‘yes.’’ Nothing is tion and to give voice to the 249,386 for profit and power, and for too many more important to me than preserving men and women of Ohio’s Sixth Con- years, leaders around the country said this constitutional Republic as a Rep- gressional District who have had their nothing and sometimes echoed those resentative. voices silenced by the rogue political messages because of the belief that Article II of the Constitution states: actors in Pennsylvania who unilater- winning, no matter the cost, was worth ‘‘Each State shall appoint, in such ally and unconstitutionally altered everything. voting methods to benefit the Demo- Today, we saw the result of ignoring manner as the legislature thereof may cratic candidate for President. these warning signs. direct, a number of electors,’’ meaning Secretaries of state and State su- People look to Washington to give that it is the duty of the State legisla- preme courts cannot simply ignore the hope. Instead, we simply amplify fears. tures to select their electors in a man- rules governing elections set forth in People look to us for expertise on ner they stipulate. It is right here. the Constitution. They cannot choose what can and can’t be possible. Some- The Founders of our Republic did not to usurp their state legislatures to times it is easier to say what makes want to federalize elections, which is achieve a partisan end, Constitution be people feel good instead of the hard why they reserved the selection of elec- damned. facts. tors to the State legislatures. Madam Speaker, this is a sad day for Today, some Members of Congress Historically, when Congress inter- America. We have seen too many sad argue that we can unilaterally pick the vened in the electoral process, it was in days like this recently: assaults on next President, that with our glorious the Civil War. It was when States were courthouses, police stations, and now wisdom, armed with Twitter, we know sending multiple slates of electors. But the U.S. Capitol. People who disagree better than the American people. Some that is not the case today. with the results of police work and have shown that, if conspiracies are re- Of the six States actively being con- court decisions are wrong to respond peated enough, they become facts and tested, five have Republican legisla- violently. And people who disagree they aren’t disputed. tures; five are controlled by one party; with the results of an election are also Even here in this Chamber after the five have the authority to get together wrong to respond with violence. Thank events today, some speeches have been and to vote to change the elector that you to the Capitol Police and all the shockingly tone-deaf. I have seen peo- they sent to us. law enforcement involved for pro- ple applaud cheap political lines that How many of the six did? Not one. tecting the people’s House today. are embarrassing. Pennsylvania did not get together Madam Speaker, some may question Power and cultural fights have di- and vote as a body and send us a new our motives for raising these objec- vided us so much that they are the ul- slate of electors. They did not send us tions, but other than the Bible, our timate goal now, and sometimes the a bill or a resolution citing injustice at Constitution is the most sacred docu- oath we swear to uphold feels like a the State level. ment known to man because it created prop. None of them. the most free and prosperous nation in People have been lied to by too many Are they cowards? Do they not know human history. for too long. the Constitution? Have they not read

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:33 Jan 14, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 abonner on DSKJLXR7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H111 it, like you and I? Or are they merely are very, very grateful to the Capitol also poisonous propaganda of those passing the buck? Police and all those who came in to who seek to destroy our unity and pro- Here is the reality. Look, I believe protect us. mote discord. this was not a fraud-free election. I be- But the real debate right now about According to this propaganda, Amer- lieve that there were problems in Penn- Pennsylvania is Pennsylvania’s Act 77. ica cannot conduct a free or fair elec- sylvania and in Georgia. But the Con- Was it constitutional or was it uncon- tion. Our elections are rigged and stitution gives us the right to fix that stitutional? All the rest of the trim- doomed. at the State level, not throw out the mings you can set aside and just de- According to this propaganda, the electoral college. We do not want to ab- cide: Was it constitutional or unconsti- voters can no longer decide who shall solve the responsibility of the people in tutional? be President. The Congress must decide those States to hold their own law- Act 77 changed Pennsylvania’s voting for them. makers accountable. law and Pennsylvania’s Constitution. At a time when our Nation faces an I, as a Washington State Congress- Now, Pennsylvania could change that unprecedented health crisis, with thou- woman, don’t know better than the law, but it is done through an amend- sands dying every day, with Americans people in Pennsylvania and Georgia. ment to the constitution. It is not just struggling to put food on the table and Folks, we can’t vote to undermine done because somebody would like to keep a roof over their head, who are we the electoral college today. We have to see that done. to say that the man America chose to uphold it. We had a mail ballot that was avail- lead us out of this calamity shall not Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise able. It was an absentee ballot. We did take office? in support of the objection. not have a no-excuse ballot. The coronavirus will claim more The SPEAKER. The gentleman from What did Pennsylvania have to do to American lives than all of the casual- Florida is recognized for 5 minutes. get to the point where they would have ties in World War II. To meet that mo- Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, as you a no-excuse mail-in ballot? ment will require unity, not discord; have heard from both sides of the aisle Number one, in two successive ses- will require an abiding faith in our over and over and over today and to- sions of the Pennsylvania Legislature, country, in our democracy, in our gov- night, Members of Congress take an that had to be passed in that legisla- ernment’s ability to function and pro- oath to protect and defend the Con- tion, one session after the other. If it vide for the needs of its citizens. stitution. passed both times, then it had to be The Members of this body cannot Clearly, the Constitution says State published in every one of the 67 coun- continue to challenge the merits of an legislatures make voting laws, period, ties of Pennsylvania, twice. When that election that was fairly conducted and end of subject. And, clearly, in Penn- was finished, it then had to go before overwhelmingly won by Joe Biden. It sylvania and some other States, non- the Pennsylvania voters to decide must stop. legislators changed those voting laws. whether they wanted the constitution Look at the damage that was No matter who wins or who loses, amended. wrought in this House today, to this those are violations of the Constitution Pennsylvania did the first one. They country today. Is that not enough? whether you, me, or anyone else likes actually did take a vote, and it was Roosevelt said: ‘‘This Nation has it or not. overwhelming. But then they scrapped placed its destiny in the hands and As Congressman DAVIDSON pointed it, and they put it in an omnibus bill. heads and hearts of its millions of free out, over a dozen FBI agents were im- That is an unconstitutional change. men and women. . . . Our strength,’’ he mediately dispatched to fully inves- You cannot do it. It is that simple. concluded ‘‘is our unity of purpose.’’ tigate Bubba Wallace’s garage door. So I love the idea about Washington Let us unite once again in defense of But, sadly, the FBI never responded to crossing the Delaware. I love the idea the greatest hope of freedom-loving my request to investigate massive vot- about Washington going through a ter- people around the world, this precious ing irregularity accusations, like the rible winter. democracy. video footage from Georgia that we all I hate the idea of what we had to go Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- wished we didn’t see. through today. But if oaths don’t mat- tleman from Maryland (Mr. RASKIN). Neither has the Department of Home- ter, and we have all taken them, and if Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, the land Security, the Department of the Constitution doesn’t matter, why baseless attack on Pennsylvania and State, the Postal Inspector General, do we even do it? Why go through this its electors brought to mind, for me, the Director of National Intelligence, charade that somehow we are really the great Tom Paine, the champion of the CIA, and, saddest of all, the U.S. close friends, except when it comes to popular democracy, who came over to Department of Justice. the really important things? America to fight with us in the Revolu- The right to vote is not only a con- We have driven this country apart tion against the king. He lived in stitutional right, it is also a civil right, through the people’s House, and we Philadelphia, where he wrote ‘‘Com- and we must protect it. Running a fair wonder what happened? mon Sense’’ and ‘‘The Age of Reason.’’ and transparent election is not some- The biggest loss on November 3 was And Paine said: In the monarchies, the thing America should run away from. not by Donald Trump; it was the faith king is the law; but in the democracies, It is something we must live up to. and trust that the American people the law will be king. Every eligible American has a right lost in this voting system because we When you think about it, the peace- to have their vote counted and the have allowed it to happen. It is uncon- ful transfer of power is the central con- right to feel confident that his or her stitutional. dition of maintaining democracy under vote was counted, not neutralized by Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise the rule of law. That is why the famous an illegal vote. in opposition. election of 1801 was such a big deal. The SPEAKER. The gentleman from When John Adams relinquished the b 0220 California is recognized for 5 minutes. Presidency to his passionate adversary Otherwise, I fear our Republic is Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, 80 and lifelong friend Thomas Jefferson, doomed. That is why I implore you to years ago today, Franklin Roosevelt it was the first peaceful transition of support a full investigation. delivered his third inaugural address. power between democracies in a demo- Madam Speaker, I yield the balance ‘‘Every realist knows,’’ he said, ‘‘that cratic republic in the history of the of my time to the fine gentleman from the democratic way of life at this mo- world. Pennsylvania (Mr. KELLY). ment is being directly assailed in every And he said, as he rode back to Mas- Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam part of the world—assailed either by sachusetts from Washington, Adams Speaker, this has been an interesting arms, or by the secret spreading of poi- said that he did this because we are a day. And I know we want to debate sonous propaganda by those who would government of laws and not of men. We this, and we brought up all kinds of seek to destroy unity and promote dis- will betray this principle if we trade a things, all kinds of points of history cord in nations still at peace.’’ government of laws for a government and what happened and where it hap- Today, the principal threat to our de- of men or, even worse, a single man, or pened and all the rest of this, and we mocracy comes from a different but an impressionable and dangerous mob

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Jan 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JA7.071 H06JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 intent on violent sedition and insurrec- Long Owens Smucker Schrader Stevens Vela tion against our beloved democratic Loudermilk Palazzo Stefanik Schrier Stivers Vela´ zquez Lucas Palmer Steube Scott (VA) Strickland Wagner Republic. Luetkemeyer Pence Stewart Scott, Austin Suozzi Waltz Here is Abraham Lincoln right before Malliotakis Perry Thompson (PA) Sewell Swalwell Wasserman the war. At what point, then, is the ap- Mann Pfluger Tiffany Sherman Takano Schultz Sherrill Taylor proach of danger to be expected? I Mast Posey Timmons Waters McCarthy Reschenthaler Van Drew Simpson Thompson (CA) Watson Coleman Sires Thompson (MS) would answer, if it ever reaches us, it McClain Rice (SC) Van Duyne Welch Meuser Rogers (AL) Slotkin Titus must spring up amongst us. It cannot Walberg Wenstrup Miller (IL) Rogers (KY) Smith (NJ) Tonko come from abroad. If destruction be Walorski Westerman Miller (WV) Rose Smith (WA) Torres (CA) Weber (TX) our lot, we must, ourselves, be its au- Mooney Rosendale Soto Torres (NY) Wexton thor and its finisher. Moore (AL) Rouzer Webster (FL) Spanberger Trahan Wild Williams (TX) Williams (GA) Madam Speaker, my family suffered Mullin Rutherford Spartz Turner Murphy (NC) Scalise Wilson (SC) Speier Underwood Wilson (FL) an unspeakable trauma on New Year’s Nehls Schweikert Wittman Stanton Upton Womack Eve a week ago. But mine was not the Norman Sessions Wright Stauber Vargas Yarmuth only family to suffer such terrible pain Nunes Smith (MO) Zeldin Steil Veasey Young Obernolte Smith (NE) in 2020. Hundreds of thousands of fami- NOT VOTING—11 lies in America are still mourning NAYS—282 Bilirakis Hastings Steel their family members. Many families Adams Espaillat Lieu Brady Joyce (OH) Tlaib represented in the Congress are still Aguilar Evans Lofgren Buck LaTurner Trone mourning their family members who Allred Feenstra Lowenthal Granger Scott, David have been taken away from us by Amodei Ferguson Luria Armstrong Fitzpatrick Lynch b 0308 COVID–19, by the opioid crisis, by can- Auchincloss Fletcher Mace cer, by gun violence, by the rising fa- Axne Fortenberry Malinowski Ms. CLARKE of New York changed her talities associated with the crisis in Bacon Foster Maloney, vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ mental and emotional health. Balderson Frankel, Lois Carolyn B. Barr Fudge Maloney, Sean So the objection was not agreed to. Enough, my beloved colleagues. It is Barraga´ n Gallagher Manning The result of the vote was announced time for America to heal. It is time for Bass Gallego Massie our families and communities to come Beatty Garamendi Matsui as above recorded. together. Let us stop pouring salt in Bera Garbarino McBath A motion to reconsider was laid on Beyer Garcı´a (IL) McCaul the table. the wounds of America for no reason at Bishop (GA) Garcia (TX) McClintock all. Let us start healing our beloved Blumenauer Golden McCollum The SPEAKER. The Clerk will now land and our wonderful people. Blunt Rochester Gomez McEachin notify the Senate of the action of the Bonamici Gonzales, Tony McGovern House, informing that body that the The SPEAKER. All time for debate Bourdeaux Gonzalez (OH) McHenry has expired. Bowman Gonzalez, McKinley House is now ready to proceed in joint The question is, Shall the objection Boyle, Brendan Vicente McNerney session with the further counting of F. Gottheimer Meeks the electoral vote for the President and submitted by the gentleman from Brown Green, Al (TX) Meijer Pennsylvania (Mr. PERRY) and the Sen- Brownley Grijalva Meng Vice President. ator from Missouri (Mr. HAWLEY) be Buchanan Grothman Mfume FURTHER MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE agreed to. Bucshon Guthrie Miller-Meeks Bush Haaland Moolenaar A further message from the Senate The question was taken; and the Bustos Harder (CA) Moore (UT) by Ms. Byrd, one of its clerks, an- Speaker announced that the noes ap- Butterfield Hayes Moore (WI) nounced that the Secretary of the Sen- peared to have it. Carbajal Herrera Beutler Morelle Ca´ rdenas Higgins (NY) Moulton ate shall inform the House of Rep- Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Carson Hill Mrvan resentatives that the Senate is ready Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Cartwright Himes Murphy (FL) to proceed in joint session with the fur- and nays. Case Hinson Nadler ther counting of the electoral votes for The SPEAKER. Pursuant to section Casten Hollingsworth Napolitano Castor (FL) Horsford Neal President and Vice President. 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and Castro (TX) Houlahan Neguse nays are ordered. Cheney Hoyer Newhouse (By unanimous consent, Mr. HOYER Members are reminded to vote when Chu Huffman Newman Cicilline Huizenga Norcross was allowed to speak out of order.) their group is called and to leave the Clark (MA) Jackson Lee O’Halleran Chamber after they have voted. Clarke (NY) Jacobs (CA) Ocasio-Cortez HONORING SHUWANZA GOFF The vote was taken by electronic de- Cleaver Jayapal Omar Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, this vice, and there were—yeas 138, nays Clyburn Jeffries Pallone Cohen Johnson (GA) Panetta would not be the time I would have 282, not voting 11, as follows: Comer Johnson (SD) Pappas chosen, but it may be the last time [Roll No. 11] Connolly Johnson (TX) Pascrell that we are in session before the new Cooper Jones Payne YEAS—138 Correa Kahele Pelosi administration comes in. Aderholt Cole Green (TN) Costa Kaptur Perlmutter We are losing an extraordinary young Allen Crawford Greene (GA) Courtney Katko Peters woman who has been with me for over Arrington Davidson Griffith Craig Keating Phillips Babin DesJarlais Guest Crenshaw Kelly (IL) Pingree a decade and who is our floor leader, Baird Diaz-Balart Hagedorn Crist Khanna Pocan our floor director. All of you know her. Banks Donalds Harris Crow Kildee Porter Her name is Shuwanza Goff, and she Bentz Duncan Harshbarger Cuellar Kilmer Pressley has been with me for a significant pe- Bergman Dunn Hartzler Curtis Kim (CA) Price (NC) Bice (OK) Estes Hern Davids (KS) Kim (NJ) Quigley riod of time. Biggs Fallon Herrell Davis, Danny K. Kind Raskin Shuwanza is a wonderful person. And Bishop (NC) Fischbach Hice (GA) Davis, Rodney Kinzinger Reed the problem with having wonderful, Boebert Fitzgerald Higgins (LA) Dean Kirkpatrick Rice (NY) Bost Fleischmann Hudson DeFazio Krishnamoorthi Richmond talented, good staff is that at an ad- Brooks Foxx Issa DeGette Kuster Rodgers (WA) ministration change, they steal your Budd Franklin, C. Jackson DeLauro LaHood Ross people. It is just a terrible thing that Burchett Scott Jacobs (NY) DelBene Lamb Roy Burgess Fulcher Johnson (LA) Delgado Langevin Roybal-Allard happens. Two of my staff, Shuwanza Calvert Gaetz Johnson (OH) Demings Larsen (WA) Ruiz Goff and Mariel Saez, will be going to Cammack Garcia (CA) Jordan DeSaulnier Larson (CT) Ruppersberger the administration as well, and I have Carl Gibbs Joyce (PA) Deutch Latta Rush asked the administration to please do Carter (GA) Gimenez Keller Dingell Lawrence Ryan Carter (TX) Gohmert Kelly (MS) Doggett Lawson (FL) Sa´ nchez not take any more of my people. Cawthorn Good (VA) Kelly (PA) Doyle, Michael Lee (CA) Sarbanes But Shuwanza Goff has just been ex- Chabot Gooden (TX) Kustoff F. Lee (NV) Scanlon traordinary. Those of you who have Cline Gosar LaMalfa Emmer Leger Fernandez Schakowsky Cloud Graves (LA) Lamborn Escobar Levin (CA) Schiff dealt with her understand how bright Clyde Graves (MO) Lesko Eshoo Levin (MI) Schneider she is.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Jan 14, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 abonner on DSKJLXR7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 6, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H113 That is the bad news, Madam Speak- States Code, because the two Houses The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there er, that they have taken her. But the have not sustained the objection, the any objections to counting the certifi- good news is, she is going to be the ad- original certificate submitted by the cate of vote of the State of South Da- ministration’s representative to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be kota that the teller has verified ap- House of Representatives, so we are counted as provided therein. pears to be regular in form and authen- going to see a lot of Shuwanza. I am The tellers will now record and an- tic? sure she will be talking to both of us nounce the vote of the State of Rhode There was no objection. on both sides of the aisle and urging us Island for President and Vice President b 0330 to vote one way or the other or getting in accordance with the action of the us information or doing all sorts of two Houses. The VICE PRESIDENT. This certifi- things that we might ask her to do and This certificate from Rhode Island, cate from Tennessee, the Parliamen- that she would want to do for us. the Parliamentarians have advised me, tarians have advised me, is the only I want to say, Madam Speaker, and I is the only certificate of vote from that certificate of electoral vote from the know you share my view, those of us State that purports to be a return from State that purports to be a return from who have had an opportunity to work the State and that has annexed to it a the State and that has annexed to it a closely with Shuwanza, I love certificate from an authority of that certificate of an authority of that Shuwanza Goff. She is just a wonderful State purporting to appoint and ascer- State purporting to appoint or ascer- spirit. She is smart. She knows the tain electors. tain electors. rules. She knows the floor. I think Mr. Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the MCCARTHY’s and Mr. SCALISE’s staffs dent, the certificate of the electoral certificate of the electoral vote of the would say the same thing if I had given vote of the State of Rhode Island seems State of Tennessee seems to be regular them any notice that we were going to to be regular in form and authentic, in form and authentic, and it appears do this, but I thought we had some and it appears therefrom that Joseph therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the time. R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware State of Florida received 11 votes for Shuwanza, I really do want to thank received 4 votes for President and President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the you, and we wish you the best of luck. KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- State of Indiana received 11 votes for We know you are not going far. I know fornia received 4 votes for Vice Presi- Vice President. we are going to see a lot of you, but we dent. The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there wish you great success in everything The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there any objections to counting the certifi- you do. any objections to counting the certifi- cate of the vote of the State of Ten- I tell my staff, Madam Speaker, that cate of vote of the State of Rhode Is- nessee that the teller has verified as they can go off the payroll, but they land that the teller has verified ap- regular in form and authentic? cannot go off the staff. pears to be regular in form and authen- There was no objection. God bless, Shuwanza, and good luck. tic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing none, this certificate from Texas, the b 0322 There was no objection. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing Parliamentarians have advised me, is At 3:22 a.m., the Sergeant at Arms, none, this certificate from South Caro- the only certificate of vote from the Paul D. Irving, announced the Vice lina, the Parliamentarians have ad- State that purports to be a return from President and the Senate of the United vised me, is the only certificate of vote the State and that has annexed to it a States. from that State that purports to be a certificate of an authority of that The Senate entered the Hall of the return from the State and that has an- State that purports to appoint or as- House of Representatives, headed by nexed to it a certificate from an au- certain electors. the Vice President and the Secretary of thority of that State purporting to ap- Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- the Senate, the Members and officers point and ascertain electors. dent, the certificate of the electoral of the House rising to receive them. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. vote of the State of Texas seems to be The Vice President took his seat as President, the certificate of the elec- regular in form and authentic, and it the Presiding Officer of the joint con- toral vote of the State of South Caro- appears therefrom that Donald J. vention of the two Houses, the Speaker lina seems to be regular in form and Trump of the State of Florida received of the House occupying the chair on his authentic, and it appears therefrom 38 votes for President and MICHAEL R. left. Senators took seats to the right of that Donald J. Trump of the State of PENCE of the State of Indiana received the rostrum as prescribed by law. Florida received 9 votes for President 38 votes for Vice President. The VICE PRESIDENT. The joint and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there session of Congress to count the elec- Indiana received 9 votes for Vice Presi- any objections to counting the certifi- toral vote will resume. The tellers will dent. cate of the vote of the State of Texas take their chairs. The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there that the teller has verified appears to The two Houses retired to consider any objections to counting the certifi- be regular in form and authentic? separately and decide upon the vote of cate of vote of the State of South Caro- There was no objection. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to lina that the teller has verified appears The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing which an objection has been filed. none, this certificate from Utah, the The Secretary of the Senate will re- to be regular in form and authentic? Parliamentarians have advised me, is port the action of the Senate. There was no objection. The Secretary of the Senate read the The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing the only certificate of vote from that order of the Senate, as follows: none, this certificate from South Da- State that purports to be a return from kota, the Parliamentarians have ad- the State and that has annexed to it a Ordered, That the Senate by a vote of 7 ayes to 92 nays rejects the objection to the vised me, is the only certificate of vote certificate of an authority from the electoral votes cast in the Commonwealth of from that State that purports to be a State purporting to appoint or ascer- Pennsylvania for Joseph R. Biden, Jr., for return from the State and that has an- tain electors. President and KAMALA D. HARRIS for Vice nexed to it a certificate from an au- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of ILLINOIS. President. thority of that State purporting to ap- Mr. President, the certificate of the The VICE PRESIDENT. The Clerk of point and ascertain electors. electoral vote of the State of Utah the House will report the action of the Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the seems to be regular in form and au- House. certificate of the electoral vote of the thentic, and it appears therefrom that The Clerk of the House read the order State of South Dakota seems to be reg- Donald J. Trump of the State of Flor- of the House, as follows: ular in form and authentic, and it ap- ida received 6 votes for President and Ordered, That the House of Representatives pears therefrom that Donald J. Trump MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of Indi- rejects the objection to the electoral vote of of the State of Florida received 3 votes ana received 6 votes for Vice President. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. for President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there The VICE PRESIDENT. Pursuant to the State of Indiana received 3 votes any objections to counting the certifi- the law, chapter 1 of title 3, United for Vice President. cate of the vote of the State of Utah

VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:05 May 10, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD21\JANUARY\H06JA1.REC H06JA1 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 6, 2021 that the teller has verified to be reg- There was no objection. Is the objection in writing and signed ular in form and authentic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing by a Member and a Senator? There was no objection. none, this certificate from West Vir- Mr. GOHMERT. It is in writing. It is The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing ginia, the Parliamentarians have ad- signed by a Member, but it is not none, this certificate from Vermont, vised, is the only certificate of vote signed and objected to by a Senator, the Parliamentarians have advised me, from that State that purports to be a Mr. President. is the only certificate of vote from the return from the State and that has an- The VICE PRESIDENT. In that case, State that purports to be a return from nexed to it a certificate of an authority the objection cannot be entertained. the State and that has annexed to it a from the State purporting to appoint This certificate from Wyoming, the certificate of an authority from that or ascertain electors. Parliamentarians have advised, is the State purporting to appoint or ascer- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of ILLINOIS. only certificate of vote from that State tain electors. Mr. President, the certificate of the and purports to be a return from the Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the electoral vote of the State of West Vir- State and has annexed to it the certifi- certificate of the electoral vote of the ginia seems to be regular in form and cate of an authority from the same State of Vermont seems to be regular authentic, and it appears therefrom State purporting to appoint or ascer- in form and authentic, and it appears that Donald J. Trump of the State of tain electors. therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of Florida received 5 votes for President Senator BLUNT. Mr. President, the the State of Delaware received 3 votes and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of certificate of the electoral vote of the for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of Indiana received 5 votes for Vice Presi- State of Wyoming seems to be regular the State of California received 3 votes dent. in form and authentic, and it appears for Vice President. The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there any objections to counting the certifi- State of Florida received 3 votes for any objections to counting the certifi- cate of the vote for the State of West President and MICHAEL R. PENCE of the cate of the vote of the State of Virginia that the teller has verified ap- State of Indiana received 3 votes for Vermont that the teller has verified as pears to be regular in form and authen- Vice President. regular in form and authentic? tic? The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there There was no objection. There was no objection. any objections to counting a certifi- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing cate of the vote of the State of Wyo- none, this certificate from the Com- none, this certificate from Wisconsin, ming that the teller has verified ap- monwealth of Virginia, the Parliamen- the Parliamentarians have advised, is tarians have advised, is the only cer- the only certificate from that State pears to be regular in form and authen- tificate of vote from that State that that purports to be a return from the tic? There was no objection. purports to be a return from the State State and that has annexed to it a cer- The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing and that has annexed to it a certificate tificate of an authority from the State none, the Chair advises Members of of an authority from that same State purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- Congress the certificates having been purporting to appoint or ascertain elec- tors. tors. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the read, the tellers will ascertain and de- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the liver the result to the President of the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Wisconsin seems to be regular Senate. Commonwealth of Virginia seems to be in form and authentic, and it appears Senator KLOBUCHAR. The under- in regular in form and authentic, and it therefrom that Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of signed, ROY BLUNT and AMY KLO- appears therefrom that Joseph R. the State of Delaware received 10 votes BUCHAR, tellers on the part of the Sen- Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware re- for President and KAMALA D. HARRIS of ate; ZOE LOFGREN and RODNEY DAVIS, ceived 13 votes for President and the State of California received 10 tellers on the part of the House of Rep- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- votes for Vice President. resentatives, report the following as fornia received 13 votes for Vice Presi- The VICE PRESIDENT. For what the result of the ascertainment and dent. purpose does the gentleman from Texas counting of the electoral votes for The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there rise? President and Vice President of the any objections to counting the certifi- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. President, I ob- United States for the term beginning cate of the vote of the Commonwealth ject to the electoral votes of the State on the 20th day of January, 2021. The of Virginia that the teller has verified of Wisconsin because 71 House Mem- report we make is that Joe Biden and as appearing regular in form and au- bers, all of who condemn violence as we KAMALA HARRIS will be the President thentic? witnessed today, are firmly committed and the Vice President, according to There was no objection. to the resolution of disagreements in the ballots that have been given to us. The VICE PRESIDENT. Hearing civil, lawful, peaceful institutions with The tellers delivered to the President none, this certificate from Washington, full and fair debate, free of violence. of the Senate the following statement the Parliamentarians have advised, is And though not a single court has al- of results: the only certificate of vote from that lowed an evidentiary hearing to listen JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS FOR THE COUNTING State that purports to be a return from to the significant body of evidence of OF THE ELECTORAL VOTES FOR PRESIDENT the State and that has a certificate of fraud, and though some seize on the AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED an authority from the same State pur- court’s failure to misrepresent that no STATES—OFFICIAL TALLY porting to appoint or ascertain elec- court would listen to the evidence as The undersigned, ROY BLUNT and tors. saying evidence did not exist; while AMY KLOBUCHAR tellers on the part of Senator KLOBUCHAR. Mr. Presi- Democrat leaders in Milwaukee ille- the Senate, ZOE LOFGREN and RODNEY dent, the certificate of the electoral gally and unconstitutionally created DAVIS tellers on the part of the House vote of the State of Washington seems more than 200 illegal polling places; of Representatives, report the fol- to be regular in form and authentic, tens of thousands of votes were lowing as the result of the ascertain- and it appears therefrom that Joseph changed by workers, despite election ment and counting of the electoral R. Biden, Jr., of the State of Delaware workers’ objections, plus so many vote for President and Vice President received 12 votes for President and other illegalities to fraudulently create of the United States for the term be- KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of Cali- a 20,000-vote lead, we object, along with ginning on the twentieth day of Janu- fornia received 12 votes for Vice Presi- a Senator who now has withdrawn his ary, two thousand and twenty one. dent. objection. For President For Vice President The VICE PRESIDENT. Are there The VICE PRESIDENT. Sections 15 Electoral votes any objections to counting the certifi- and 17 of title 3 of the United States of each State Joseph R. Donald J. Kamala Michael cate of the vote of the State of Wash- Code require that any objection be pre- Biden, Jr. Trump D. Harris R. Pence ington that the teller has verified and sented in writing, signed by a Member Alabama—9 ...... 9 ...... 9 Alaska—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 appears to be regular in form and au- of the House of Representatives and a Arizona—11 ...... 11 ...... 11 ...... thentic? Senator. Arkansas—6 ...... 6 ...... 6

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For President For Vice President This announcement of the state of Thereupon (at 3 o’clock and 48 min- Electoral votes of each State Joseph R. Donald J. Kamala Michael the vote by the President of the Senate utes a.m.), under its previous order, the Biden, Jr. Trump D. Harris R. Pence shall be deemed a sufficient declara- House adjourned until Monday, Janu- California—55 ...... 55 ...... 55 ...... tion of the persons elected President ary 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. Colorado—9 ...... 9 ...... 9 ...... and Vice President of the United Connecticut—7 ...... 7 ...... 7 ...... Delaware—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... States, each for the term beginning on f District of Columbia—3 3 ...... 3 ...... the 20th day of January, 2021, and shall Florida—29 ...... 29 ...... 29 be entered, together with the list of the Georgia—16 ...... 16 ...... 16 ...... PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Hawaii—4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... votes, on the Journals of the Senate Idaho—4 ...... 4 ...... 4 Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Illinois—20 ...... 20 ...... 20 ...... and House of Representatives. Indiana—11 ...... 11 ...... 11 The Chair now recognizes for the pur- bills and resolutions of the following Iowa—6 ...... 6 ...... 6 titles were introduced and severally re- Kansas—6 ...... 6 ...... 6 pose of a closing prayer the 62nd Chap- Kentucky—8 ...... 8 ...... 8 lain of the United States Senate, Chap- ferred, as follows: Louisiana—8 ...... 8 ...... 8 By Mr. CLOUD (for himself, Mr. ALLEN, Maine—4 ...... 3 1 3 1 lain Barry C. Black. Maryland—10 ...... 10 ...... 10 ...... Mr. STEUBE, Mr. DAVIDSON, Mr. Massachusetts—11 ...... 11 ...... 11 ...... b 0340 BERGMAN, Mr. PALMER, Mr. RUTHER- Michigan—16 ...... 16 ...... 16 ...... FORD, and Mr. BAIRD): Minnesota—10 ...... 10 ...... 10 ...... Chaplain BLACK. Lord of our lives Mississippi—6 ...... 6 ...... 6 and sovereign of our beloved Nation, H.R. 217. A bill to amend title 38, United Missouri—10 ...... 10 ...... 10 we deplore the desecration of the States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- Montana—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 erans Affairs to enforce the licensure re- Nebraska—5 ...... 1 4 1 4 United States Capitol Building, the Nevada—6 ...... 6 ...... 6 ...... quirement for medical providers of the De- New Hampshire—4...... 4 ...... 4 ...... shedding of innocent blood, the loss of partment of Veterans Affairs; to the Com- New Jersey—14 ...... 14 ...... 14 ...... life, and the quagmire of dysfunction mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. New Mexico—5...... 5 ...... 5 ...... New York—29 ...... 29 ...... 29 ...... that threaten our democracy. By Mr. PFLUGER (for himself, Mr. North Carolina—15 ...... 15 ...... 15 These tragedies have reminded us TONY GONZALES of Texas, Mrs. BICE North Dakota—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 of Oklahoma, Mr. JACKSON, Ms. Ohio—18 ...... 18 ...... 18 that words matter and that the power HERRELL, Mr. BABIN, Mr. ROY, Mr. Oklahoma—7 ...... 7 ...... 7 of life and death is in the tongue. We CRENSHAW, Mr. FALLON, and Mr. Oregon—7 ...... 7 ...... 7 ...... have been warned that eternal vigi- Pennsylvania—20 ...... 20 ...... 20 ...... ARRINGTON): Rhode Island—4...... 4 ...... 4 ...... lance continues to be freedom’s price. South Carolina—9 ...... 9 ...... 9 H.R. 218. A bill to prohibit the Secretary of South Dakota—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 Lord, You have helped us remember the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture Tennessee—11 ...... 11 ...... 11 that we need to see in each other a from issuing moratoriums on issuing new oil Texas—38 ...... 38 ...... 38 Utah—6 ...... 6 ...... 6 common humanity that reflects Your and gas leases and drill permits on certain Vermont—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... image. You have strengthened our re- Federal lands; to the Committee on Natural Virginia—13 ...... 13 ...... 13 ...... solve to protect and defend the Con- Resources, and in addition to the Committee Washington—12 ...... 12 ...... 12 ...... West Virginia—5 ...... 5 ...... 5 stitution of the United States against on Agriculture, for a period to be subse- Wisconsin—10 ...... 10 ...... 10 ...... all enemies domestic, as well as for- quently determined by the Speaker, in each Wyoming—3 ...... 3 ...... 3 case for consideration of such provisions as Total—538 ...... 306 232 306 232 eign. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Use us to bring healing and unity to concerned. ROY BLUNT, a hurting and divided Nation and By Mr. DOGGETT: AMY KLOBUCHAR, world. Thank You for what You have Tellers on the part of H.R. 219. A bill to amend the Trade Act of the Senate. blessed our lawmakers to accomplish 1974 to exclude from eligibility for the gener- ZOE LOFGREN, in spite of threats to liberty. alized system of preferences any country RODNEY DAVIS, Bless and keep us. Drive far from us that fails to effectively enforce its environ- Tellers on the part of all wrong desires, incline our hearts to mental laws or meet its international envi- the House of Rep- do Your will, and guide our feet on the ronmental obligations, and for other pur- resentatives. path of peace. And God bless America. poses; to the Committee on Ways and Means. The VICE PRESIDENT. The state of By Mr. EMMER (for himself and Mr. We pray in Your sovereign name. the vote for President of the United RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois): Amen. States, as delivered to the President of H.R. 220. A bill to make supplemental ap- The VICE PRESIDENT. The purpose the Senate, is as follows: propriations to carry out farm stress pro- of the joint session having concluded, The whole number of electors ap- grams, provide for expedited additional sup- pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolu- pointed to vote for President of the port under the farm and ranch stress assist- ance network, and for other purposes; to the United States is 538. Within that whole tion 1, 117th Congress, the Chair de- Committee on Agriculture. number, a majority is 270. clares the joint session dissolved. (Thereupon, at 3 o’clock and 44 min- By Ms. ESHOO: The votes for President of the United H.R. 221. A bill to amend title 5, United States are as follows: utes a.m., the joint session of the two Houses of Congress was dissolved.) States Code, to modify the oath of office Joseph R. Biden, Jr., of the State of taken by individuals in the civil service or The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Delaware has received 306 votes. uniformed services, and of other purposes; to Donald J. Trump of the State of Flor- JACKSON LEE). Pursuant to Senate Con- the Committee on Oversight and Reform. ida has received 232 votes. current Resolution 1, the electoral vote By Ms. ESHOO (for herself and Mr. The whole number of electors ap- will be spread at large upon the Jour- MCEACHIN): pointed to vote for Vice President of nal. H.R. 222. A bill to treat the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in the the United States is 538. Within that f whole number, a majority is 270. same manner as any legal public holiday for purposes of Federal employment, and for The votes for Vice President of the ADJOURNMENT other purposes; to the Committee on Over- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- United States are as follows: sight and Reform. KAMALA D. HARRIS of the State of ant to section 5(a)(1)(B) of House Reso- By Mr. ESPAILLAT (for himself and California has received 306 votes. lution 8, the House stands adjourned Mr. SIRES): MICHAEL R. PENCE of the State of In- until 11 a.m. on Monday, January 11, H.R. 223. A bill to direct the Secretary of diana has received 232 votes. 2021. Health and Human Services to reimburse

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