John Joyce: We Must Protect Government Of, By, And For The People
Washington, DC During the certification of the Electoral College in a Joint Session of Congress, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) spoke in support of the objection to the certification of Pennsylvania's electors.
In Pennsylvania, unconstitutional acts unduly affected the 2020 presidential election and spurred distrust in the Commonwealth's electoral system. On the House Floor, Congressman Joyce emphasized the importance of upholding the law, defending the U.S. Constitution, and protecting free and fair elections. Watch his full remarks.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the objection.
My heart is heavy as we consider the dark acts that transpired in this institution today. But, Madam Speaker, the American people can be assured that violent and irrational attacks on this body cannot derail the Constitutional responsibility that lies in front of us.
This has always been about upholding the law. It has always been about protecting government "of, by, and for the people."
Preserving the rule of law is more important than ever.
We must acknowledge that unconstitutional acts unduly impacted the presidential election in Pennsylvania.
Contrary to the law, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court extended the deadline for mail-in ballots for three days beyond Election Day.
Contrary to the law, the Secretary of the Commonwealth discarded mail-in ballot signature verification safeguards.
These leaders took advantage of a deadly pandemic and seized the state legislature's rightful authority.
I took an oath to uphold the law and defend the Constitution. I pledged to protect free and fair elections.
I cannot in good faith certify electors that were selected under an unlawful process.
I will object to the Electoral College certification to protect the will of Pennsylvania voters, to uphold the law, to restore trust in our electoral system, and to save our Constitution.
At Gettysburg, which is in my district, President Abraham Lincoln spoke about the great task of ensuring that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Thank you, and I yield.
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Video of his remarks is available here.
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