Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the distinguished chair and all of those who opened up their thoughts to this very important process. I…”

“I thank the distinguished chair and all of those who opened up their thoughts to this very important process. I participated through the Progressive Caucus, and I am very grateful for the work that included all Members. I believe in democracy; I believe in the rights of the minority; but I want to applaud this rules package in particular because, as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, I think extremely important is the language to protect whistleblowers. The responsibility of Congress is oversight, and even though this was not in the congressional wheelhouse, it was shameful what happened to Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, a United States Army leader, if you will, who thought it was his patriotic duty simply to tell the truth. What happened to him as a whistleblower in the executive? He was fired. What happened to his brother, twin brother? No longer there. No one protected them. I want to applaud a Committee on Rules package that protects but, as well, a Committee on Rules package that also deals with diversity, gender, and puts America's business first. Vote for this package.”