[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E13-E14]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ELECTION IRREGULARITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 2021

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, after rigorous analysis and 
much reflection, I will not oppose the counting of certified electoral 
votes from any state.
  I share some of the concerns about election irregularities. Today's 
proceedings give Congress the opportunity to raise concerns about 
alleged election wrongdoing in several states which I hope will 
ultimately lead to bipartisan state investigations and reform to ensure 
fair and free elections.
  Today, however, Congress is tasked with counting the electoral votes 
sent by each state. Nullifying the electors of any state requires proof 
that electors were not ``lawfully certified'' according to state laws.
  In early December, Attorney General William Barr told the Associated 
Press that ``U.S. attorneys and FBI agents have been working to follow 
up specific complaints and information they've received, but ``to date, 
we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different 
outcome in the election.''
  All elections in the United States must be free and fair--any action 
to subvert, cheat,

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suppress or steal any election should be investigated and prosecuted.
  Even if the nefarious activity was minor--and not likely to alter the 
outcome of an election--individuals who engage in such acts should be 
held accountable in a court of law.
  Noone has a license to cheat.
  Sixteen years ago, some Democratic members of the Senate and House 
tried to overturn the results of the Bush-Kerry Presidential election. 
They failed. When counting the electoral votes on January 6, 2005, I 
voted ``no'' on the objection to accepting Ohio's electors--enough to 
reverse the outcome of the election--sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Tubbs 
Jones (D-Oh) because the allegations lacked both merit and proof. Only 
31 Members of the House voted in favor of the election changing 
objection.
  Congress, states and local governments need to undertake a top-to-
bottom review of election law and administrative polices to ensure that 
elections are free and fair.
  The future of our Nation depends on it.
  Finally, I unequivocally condemn the assault on the Capitol today. 
And those who committed violence, vandalism and other crimes should be 
prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.
  Special thanks to the Capitol Police and all law enforcement for 
their brave and decisive actions to mitigate and then end today's 
crisis.
  Despite its many flaws, the U.S. Congress continues to be an 
extraordinary marketplace of ideas and differing opinions.
  The enactment of wise public policy to benefit all Americans requires 
robust dialogue and debate--and genuine respect for one another 
especially when there is fundamental disagreement.
  We must be committed to zero-tolerance towards violence in any form.

                          ____________________