Nydia M. Velazquez: “the purpose of our democracy is to debate our differences in an open and civil manner. Without respectful disagreement…”

“the purpose of our democracy is to debate our differences in an open and civil manner. Without respectful disagreement, there can be no freedom. When we lose elections or when we lose battles in this Chamber, we understand that this is the will of the people. These are the hallmarks of our society, and they are the reason that our democratic system has survived for over 200 years. Mr. Speaker, these principles are under attack. A former Member of this body has chosen to violate the principles that have governed this House for so long. He has used his floor privileges to advance his personal agenda. He has verbally attacked a Member of this Congress, and he has disrupted the democratic process. I rise today to support the privileged resolution being offered by the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez]. We must not allow any former Member of Congress, of any party, to set foot in this Chamber if it discredits and violates the integrity of this House.”