What took place?
Before performing committee business, each member would be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, according to a rule change proposed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
“The Pledge of Allegiance is a sign of pride and unification for the whole country, and we in the Judiciary Committee are tasked with upholding the constitutional rights of our fellow citizens,” he said. “My amendment allows the committee to commence the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each meeting.”
But the committee’s senior Democrat, Rep. Jerry Nadler, instantly opposed it.
“I would be against it for the simple reason that, as members are aware, we make our allegiance every day on the floor. And I’m not sure why we need to recite the pledge of allegiance twice in one day to demonstrate our patriotism,” he added. “This isn’t the most significant amendment in the world, in my opinion,”
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) quickly provided evidence as to why Nadler’s complaint could not have been valid.
“The majority of members are not there when the pledge is made, and I have never seen Mr. Nadler on the floor,” according to Johnson. “Therefore, it is untrue to state that we perform or take part in the pledge every day. Although it may be provided, you are not interested.”
The tone of the conference soon deteriorated after that. Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), in response, offered his own amendment that would exclude “insurrectionists” from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Gaetz said that Democrats have a track of of contesting or undermining the results of presidential elections.
Later, Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) entirely refuted Rep. David Cicilline’s position by pointing out that “insurrection” is a felony that would exclude individuals convicted of it from holding office in the House. Thus, Cicilline was compelled to acknowledge that no member of the committee had engaged in “insurrection.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) once used the occasion to draw attention to what he thought was the debate’s ridiculousness.
He remarked, “I’m nearly dumbfounded. I am aware that it is a severe backbreaker. We may take it a step further, rise up, place our hand on our chest, declare what we believe, and reaffirm our love for our country, America. Really. This cannot be right. It amazes me that we are having this discussion.”
What came out of it?
Cicilline’s amendment was ultimately defeated by a vote of 24-13, according to NBC News.
Gaetz’s, on the other hand, received a 39-0 vote of approval.
