[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 124 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E619-E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMITTMENT TO SUSTAINED RENEWAL AND CONTINUITY OF OUR FEDERAL 
                  GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING EVERY ELECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2020

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with respect and upon 
reflection of the core tenets of our democracy: our federal elections 
and their aftermath.
  As you know, Madam Speaker, our nation boasts a steady history, no 
matter the circumstance, of maintaining a peaceful and efficient 
process upon the conclusion of our presidential elections. Whether a 
President continues in office for another term, experiences defeat, or 
concludes holding office due to the Constitutional term limit, our 
democracy has flourished to the benefit of the American people for 
centuries. Our streak of peaceful transitions of power remains 
unbroken, intentionally and without accident. This reflects the genius 
of our founders and the will of the American people to continually 
commit to forming a more perfect union.
  In America, our government and its successful function does not 
depend on one person or political party. Rather, our federal government 
and its institutions represent the glory and the privilege bestowed by 
the system of a federated republic. And while to some, the peaceful 
transition in the aftermath of our presidential election may seem 
perfunctory, our society and the success of our economy depend on the 
reliable transition of presidents-elect or presidents continuing to a 
second term.
  It is without question essential that the talented and dedicated 
public servants in our federal government are able to serve the 
American people following the aftermath of any election. Such duties 
include ensuring no veteran is denied benefits and no Social Security 
recipient misses a check. Professional civil servants--nonpartisan and 
the best in their fields--provide continuity and ensure that government 
stays focused on serving the American people. From air traffic 
controllers to food safety inspectors to servicemembers defending our 
nation at home and abroad, the federal

[[Page E620]]

workforce ensures that citizen services are uninterrupted by a change 
in administration.
  As you may acknowledge, Madam Speaker, it was of the highest civilian 
honor for me to serve as a member of then President-elect Barack 
Obama's transition team, and to engage with the apolitical workforce. 
While the country faced economic peril, I formally joined the 
Administration just a few weeks after the President was sworn into 
office, as a White House appointee serving in the United States 
Department of the Treasury, alongside Presidential appointees of the 
former Administration of George W. Bush. I witnessed first-hand how a 
peaceful and collegial transition of power is achieved. In the process, 
I garnered tremendous respect for the dedicated career civil servants 
who continue to serve no matter the political outcome. Today, that same 
workforce is looking at two possibilities come November: preparing for 
a new administration or continuing to govern as part of the current 
administration.
  If, following the results of the November 3rd election, a 
presidential transition falls upon our federal government, a large task 
is at hand for the new administration. While this is not assumed, it is 
a scenario worthy of planning and consideration. Just as, if the 
current president is reaffirmed and continues to a second term, the 
duties of his administration will continue. Peace and trust in either 
scenario is paramount. In any such outcome, I ask of my fellow 
countrymen and women and with specific request of my colleagues within 
this coequal branch of government to pledge to achieve a more perfect 
union and recognize that in November, millions will see their votes 
cast for the winner of the Presidential election, just as millions will 
see their vote cast for the runner-up of the election. We may suspect 
or assume the continued and sustained activities of our federal 
government, and recommitting to this assurance is a healthy and 
productive exercising of our authorities. In particular, as collective 
bodies within the Congress and federal agencies, it is our cooperative 
responsibility to ensure strife and upheaval does not impede the 
critical duties of our civilian workforce. We, as an elected body of 
federal representatives oversee, fund, and authorize the efforts of our 
federal agencies and maintain a responsibility and dedication to their 
success, particularly in the aftermath of presidential elections.
  Today I officially submit as record to this chamber a request to my 
colleagues. We, as federated leaders and representatives, may express 
dismay and disagreement with one another and with election outcomes, 
but we also set the tone to continue the peaceful process following 
from the votes cast by millions and preparation for ongoing governance 
and legislative affairs. And we certainly maintain an authority to hold 
reckless actions of federal officials accountable.
  Many in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle have dedicated their 
life's work to achieving equality, and all took an oath upon being a 
sworn member of the United States House of Representatives to support 
and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Our duties 
are not just reflections; they are actions and commitments that form a 
more perfect union and promote the general welfare as this nation 
continues to thrive as a free and safe democracy. As we exercise the 
full abilities vested in us as men and women within this form of public 
trust, we commit to continued renewal and restoring of our government 
with each election.

                          ____________________