Collins statement on House ruling to uphold decorum

WASHINGTON — Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the House ruled that the speaker’s words on the floor were unparliamentary and took down those words. “This afternoon, I begged my colleagues to embrace the rules and integrity of our chamber, for the House to be an example in lowering tensions and elevating dialogue. I was compelled to demand that the House enforce the rules against Speaker Pelosi, for her deliberate attack on the president. Democrats admitted her words violated the rules of decorum, the very rules that ensure democracy’s every voice can be heard as we carry out the people’s business. Still, every Democrat lawmaker voted against striking her words from the record. It bears repeating the House prizes decorum because it is a symptom of and a catalyst for a healthy, confident democracy. I hope we recover that confidence soon and move forward with respect for the American people who sent elected officials, including the president, to represent them in Washington.” At the beginning of debate on H.Res. 489, Ranking Member Collins made this statement urging members of the House to pursue respectful, productive dialogue in accordance with the House rules they adopted as the 116^th Congress.