During the hearing on new house rules Thursday, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) requested to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each hearing, expressing that he thought “it would be a nice in the spirit of national unity and national pride”.
Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) responded by shutting down Gaetz’s request, saying it is “unnecessary” because “the House begins everyday with the Pledge of Allegiance”.
“I just think it would be nice if in the spirit of national unity and national pride, which I know we all aspire to do a greater extent, that at the beginning of each meeting, the chair or one of the designees of the chair, would have the opportunity to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,” Rep. Matt Gaetz said.
“We’re all aware that in these times it’s important for the country to see members of congress working together on some things and while I know we can deal with divisive issues in the committee, it would be my hope we could start every committee with a great unifying, patriotic moment,” the Florida congressman recommended. “I yield back”.
Rep. Jerry Nadler responded: “And the gentleman yields back. I recognize myself to speak in opposition to the amendment. It’s unnecessary.”
“The House begins everyday with the Pledge of Allegiance. We’re covered by that. There’s no necessity to say the Pledge of Allegiance twice during the same day,” Nader added. Video Below
Rep. Matt Gaetz’s official remarks:
I proposed that we begin each meeting of the House Judiciary Committee by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Democrats just said "no."@RepJerryNadler said it's "unnecessary." pic.twitter.com/TquNSxqJzv
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 4, 2021
🚨 #BREAKING: @HouseJudiciary Democrats just voted against reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before committee hearings!
Why won’t they stand for the flag?
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) February 4, 2021
Continued Below
Meanwhile, Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) agreed with Rep. Gaetz’s request to say the Pledge of Allegiance, telling members in the committee, “Fifteen seconds to show our kids that we’re adults. We can agree to disagree, but we love our country enough to at least stand and represent our flag,” he said.
“… Why don’t we start off with one simple action … as leaders. Let’s stand, let’s pledge our flag… and then we will be an example of what unity looks like. Not just the words, but act, by saying the words that bring our country together. Put our hands on our hearts and meaning it and showing everyone … this is one thing we can agree on,” Rep. Owens added.
"15 seconds to show our kids that…we can agree to disagree, but we love our country enough to at least stand and represent our flag.
Let's stand, let's pledge our flag…and then we will be an example of what unity looks like." –@RepBurgessOwens pic.twitter.com/wUPPuN5DdB
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 4, 2021
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) also weighed in, slamming his Democratic colleagues:
Despite what the Judiciary Democrats say, the Pledge of Allegiance is not "unnecessary."
It should be what unifies us and drives our work for the American people. pic.twitter.com/wBH0QCztnn
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) February 4, 2021
(Related: Rep. Gaetz Announces He’s Filing Ethics Charges Against Pelosi For Destroying Trump’s SOTU Speech)
