WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives nominating Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker. Below is the transcript as delivered:
“212. 212. 212. 212. 212. 212. And today, 212.
[Applause]
“212 House Democrats stand united behind our leader because Hakeem Jeffries stands united for the American people.
[Applause]
“The historic dysfunction that we are seeing, this intraparty fighting that the American people have been drawn into, is imperiling our national security. It will imperil the ability of this government to deliver basic services. It is imperiling our jobs and responsibility to serve our constituents, but it is also entirely predictable.
“They’re failing to convene Congress today, but for years, they have failed to deliver the votes for the American people.
[Applause]
“When schools and small businesses needed to reopen, and the American people wanted vaccines, they said no.
“When we capped insulin costs for seniors at $35 a month, they said no.
“When we lowered health care costs and premiums for working families, they said no.
“When we defended the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, they said no.
“When we protected lives from senseless gun violence – especially in the wake of the horrors of Buffalo and Uvalde – they said no.
“When we stood up for women and reproductive freedom, they said no.
“When we brought manufacturing back to America, they said no.
“When we answered the urgent call to protect our planet and invest in clean energy and create tens of millions of good paying jobs, they said no.
“When we said women deserve equal pay for equal work, they said no.
“When we said that child care and paid family leave should be available to every worker in this county, to every family, they said no.
“When we secured the fundamental right to vote for every American, they said no.
“When we stood by our veterans and expanded their access to health care, they said no.
“When we defended our democracy two years ago tomorrow against a tyrannical president following the January 6th insurrection, they said no.
“House Democrats will stand together. We will stand for the American people. It is our job and our responsibility to elect a Speaker who stands with them.
“And with great pride, I nominate Hakeem Jeffries.”