On the recordJuly 23, 2020
Sometimes it is very difficult to respond to something that is so much out of the ordinary, but I rise today to refer to my colleague, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and to make mention of the incident that occurred where she was described in unflattering words. Those words were denigrating to a woman. They were equally denigrating to women of color. One's views in this place are protected by the Constitution and protected by the First Amendment, but it is particularly sad when one's particular gender is called out and degraded, for women have been the backbone of this Nation. They have helped build this country. They serve in the United States military. Our Member of Congress from The Bronx, New York, has equally been elected by her constituents, and deserves the kind of respect and understanding that all of those who take the oath deserve. I am appalled by the words that were used against her. I stand with her remarks of expression of the right to have different views, and I also stand with her as a woman who would respect that service and that unique service that we who have come to this place where we could not be for many, many years to serve, she should be allowed to serve, and serve in dignity. ____________________
