Political Quotes

“I come before you today in support of my colleague Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. All Members of Congress are entitled to freedom of speech. We also recognize that words matter and that they have the power to uplift or to harm others. While I have joined the statement rejecting certain harmful phraseology that has been used, I believe Congresswoman Tlaib's statement that she did not intend to wish harm to the Jewish community by her words. Congresswoman Tlaib has all since clarified that she was intending to make an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate. The ability to have free speech but to be willing to discuss and to change and clarify is not just mature but democratic. No Member should express harm to others, and Congresswoman Tlaib has been willing to listen, clarify, and express compassion. Yet on the other side of the aisle, we have seen repeatedly Republican Members make disparaging comments that have threatened our fellow colleagues and their families. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.”