[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 4 (Thursday, January 6, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H3-H4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

  The SPEAKER. The Chair will address the Chamber.
  Today, one year ago, the Capitol and those who work in it were 
targeted in a violent insurrection that sought to undermine democracy.
  As we acknowledge the horror of that day, we honor the heroism of so 
many, particularly the U.S. Capitol Police; and the institutional 
staff; floor, leadership, committee, and Member staff.
  We had a session this morning where we could say thank you to many of 
them. Unfortunately, COVID did not enable us to have the full House. We 
will have another time when the attending physician allows.
  As we acknowledge the horror of that day, in the face of extreme 
danger, they all risked their safety for our democracy by protecting 
the Capitol complex, Members, staff, and press within; safeguarding the 
ballots in those mahogany boxes to validate the election; and ensuring 
that Congress could accomplish our purpose and honor our duty to the 
Constitution and to our country.
  That day, and in the days after, they were the defenders of our 
democracy, and their courage and patriotism remain an inspiration. 
Because of them, Congress was able to defeat the insurrection and 
return to the Capitol that same night to ensure that the peaceful 
transfer of power took place. Because of them and our Members, the 
insurrection failed.
  One year ago, this sacred space--where Members legislate, children 
learn, and visitors are welcomed--was defiled and damaged.
  As we reflect on that darkest day, we remember that the 
insurrectionists sought not only to attack the building but to 
undermine democracy itself.
  When the violent assault was made on the Capitol, its purpose was to 
thwart Congress' constitutional duty to validate the electoral count 
and to ensure the peaceful transfer of power.
  But the assault did not deter us from our duty. In this Capitol, a 
symbol of democracy to the world, that evening, because of the courage 
of all of you, the Congress rose to honor our oath and to protect our 
democracy.
  We did so honoring the words of President Lincoln during the Civil 
War:

       Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We . . . will be 
     remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, 
     or insignificance, can spare one or another of us.
       We hold the power; therefore, we bear the responsibility.

  Today, we accept a responsibility as daunting and demanding as any 
that previous generations of leadership have faced.
  Since the January 6 insurrection, there have been continued assaults 
on

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our democracy, undermining the sanctity of the vote and the integrity 
of our elections, which are the bases of our democracy.
  Let us be true to the vision of our Founders, who brilliantly 
established our democracy and made it a model for the world.
  Let us honor the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who 
protect that freedom with their lives.
  Let us remember the words of another President, our patriarch, 
President George Washington, when he delivered the Constitution to 
Congress:

       The Constitution represents the creation of a government 
     which would allow for the continuation of rigorous debate but 
     relies upon the common sense and good faith of the American 
     people to find the better angels of their nature.

  As we proceed, let us find our common ground and reach our Nation's 
heights, with liberty and justice for all, remembering the words of our 
great patriarch and in the spirit that our Chaplain referenced of 
President Lincoln, with malice toward none, with charity toward all.
  As I conclude, I want to acknowledge our fallen heroes of that day:
  U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick;
  U.S. Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood;
  Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith;
  U.S. Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans, of a later assault.
  Now I ask all Members to rise for a moment of silence in their 
memory.

                          ____________________