Nation
Gaetz requests Judiciary Committee start each hearing with Pledge of Allegiance, Nadler calls it ‘unnecessary’
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on Thursday suggested to the House Judiciary Committee that each hearing should be commenced with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, but the committee chair, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), said such a proposal was “unnecessary.”
“I just think that it would be nice if—in the spirit of national unity and national pride, which I know we all aspire to do to a greater extent—that at the beginning of each meeting the chair, or one of the designees of the chair, would have the opportunity to lead us in the pledge of allegiance,” the Florida Republican said to Nadler.
Citing the turbulent times right now in the United States, Gaetz said that “it’s important for the country to see members of Congress working together on some things, and while I know that we can deal with divisive issues in the committee, it would be my hope that we could start every committee with a great, unifying, patriotic moment.”
Nadler responded by saying that reciting the pledge before each hearing was “unnecessary,” adding that the House of Representatives “begins every day with the Pledge of Allegiance” and that “we’re covered by that.”
“There’s no necessity to say the Pledge of Allegiance twice during the same day,” the New York Democrat added.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.
In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.
Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.
Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.
Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.
Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.
Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.
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