Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for being part of this Special Order hour and for her great support of the LGBTQ-plus community. Madam Speaker, before I end, I just want to recognize Annise Parker. I also want recognize Barney Frank, Jared Polis, our former colleagues who have served in this House. And now Governor Polis is the Governor of Colorado. Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema in the United States Senate. Sean Patrick Maloney, Mark Pocan, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Mark Takano, Chris Pappas, Mondaire Jones, and Ritchie Torres, who are current Members of Congress. There are nine LGBTQ Members in the House and two in the Senate. So 11 Members in total. And part of the reason we celebrate Pride is to send a message to the entire community, but especially to young people who may be struggling with their sexual orientation or their gender identity. Pride is a moment for us to say: You are valued. We celebrate you. We honor you. You have a right like every other American to be treated with dignity and respect. You are hearing that from the floor of the United States House of Representatives, where nine Members of our community serve openly and honestly, and two Members in the Senate. Let that be a message to every young person, every family struggling with the issues of sexual orientation or gender identity, that they are heard, they are valued, they are affirmed and respected. Happy Pride Month. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. ____________________”