[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E90-E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE U.S. CAPITOL CUSTODIAL WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
work of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the Black and 
brown members, for their excellent work every day, but especially for 
their work across the Capitol complex after it was desecrated on 
January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters and insurrectionists trying to 
reverse the results of a fair and free election. It is a privilege to 
work alongside such dedicated stewards of our temple of democracy, and 
their exemplary work deserves to be acknowledged.

[[Page E91]]

  The labor of Black and brown Americans is integral to the history of 
our Capitol building. When the Capitol was first constructed, enslaved 
Black laborers were brought in from across the country to build the 
home of our nation's democracy. Enslaved laborers were involved in 
nearly every step of construction, from quarrying marble and sandstone 
to masonry to devising the architectural innovations needed to install 
the Statue of Freedom in 1863.
  Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the labor of Black and brown 
Americans. Our Black and brown custodial staff make sure the entire 
Capitol complex is pristine and accessible to all that visit, and 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked to maintain our 
community's health and safety. I see the pride they take in their work 
each and every day and thank them for their endless dedication.
  On January 6, 2021, Black and brown custodial staff were in 
attendance as well. While media coverage has largely focused on the 
experiences of House Members and Senators, custodial and administrative 
staff throughout the Capitol complex weathered the siege all the same. 
Once the Capitol was secured, these dedicated employees were the first 
back to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our temple of democracy 
by the same rioters who made them fear for their lives.
  Our colleagues' work to clean the Capitol is particularly commendable 
considering the appalling racial nature of the riots. Former President 
Trump and his supporters spread baseless allegations and lies about the 
integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including about the 
validity of votes cast in majority Black or brown cities. When election 
officials and the courts refused to overturn the results, a 
predominately white mob, including proud white supremacists, stormed 
the Capitol. After seeing these white rioters treated more kindly than 
protestors for racial justice often are, the largely Black and brown 
custodial staff were left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up broken 
glass, blood, empty bottles, and other items left by the mob. I read 
that a staff member described the experience of cleaning up after the 
insurrection as ``degrading.'' To that end, I say we see you and we 
appreciate your efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor did it go 
unnoticed.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these 
distinguished members of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff for their 
hard work in the aftermath of January 6, 2021 and for the 
professionalism they show each and every day.

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