For Immediate Release: January 9, 2023
Contact: Ryan Hite, Communications Director
Robust Debate Is Healthy, Productive; New Rules Should Continue Unrestricted Cameras
Washington, D.C.: “After an arduous process to elect the next Speaker of the House, I firmly believe we are headed in the right direction to make good changes for America,” said Ed Martin, president of Phyllis Schlafly Eagles. “The procedural repetition we have witnessed is a very purposeful design of our constitutional framers. Just twenty Members of Congress were able to procure significant concessions from party leadership, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Let’s remember we are not purely a Democracy, but a constitutional democratic republic. There are procedures in place to prevent a simple majority from running roughshod over the people and their system.”
“I have hearty congratulations all around,” Martin continued. “Congratulations to the twenty rock-ribbed conservatives who demanded procedural and rules changes and got them. Congratulations to Speaker Kevin McCarthy for not only his election win but the negotiating he was willing to do to get there. As the steering committee continues to meet and the House comes into session tonight to begin voting on the rules packages, I look forward to seeing confirmed in votes what has been agreed to to get to this point.
“I believe that not only can the Republican majority now move forward unified in purpose, but they can do so resting assured that there are real and actionable measures of accountability on GOP House leadership. I think one of the greatest measures of transparency and accountability was the unrestricted camera access that C-SPAN had last week on the floor of the House. For the American public to witness not just speeches from podiums but the entirety of discussions and debates and negotiations on the floor was absolutely wonderful. I would absolutely encourage Speaker McCarthy and his leadership to continue that kind of televised access to ensure that We the People see all the dynamics of their House!”
Martin concluded, “This has been a great epic debate over transparency and accountability in American government. I hope and pray as the House gets going that it spills over into the upper chamber as well as throughout our bloated executive branch. It’s time for real change, real accountability, and real transparency. No more flipping from one party to the other with nothing tangible to show for it! It’s time to behave differently, and let the governed witness what they are consenting to!”
###
