Mikie Sherrill: “Federal forces should only be deployed in the United States with the utmost transparency and only when it is absolutely…”

“Federal forces should only be deployed in the United States with the utmost transparency and only when it is absolutely necessary to protect our country and our citizens. What we are seeing in Portland and what we saw in Washington is deeply disturbing, and it is contrary to the values of a democratic society. As a veteran, I am particularly concerned when it implicates our military. Congress has a responsibility to exercise oversight over the use of military force. Unfortunately, in recent months, we have seen threats of force against U.S. citizens without consulting Congress and without delineating the legal authorities under which the forces are operating. The Insurrection Act has been used with great and important effect to integrate elementary schools and universities, suppress the Ku Klux Klan, and to protect the American people. This amendment does not prevent any President from employing the Insurrection Act should it become necessary, nor would it prevent the Insurrection Act from being used to protect Americans' civil rights in the future. It simply ensures that the Insurrection Act is used in keeping with centuries of precedent--as a last resort and with strong oversight by Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”