July 9, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 124 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
COMMITTMENT TO SUSTAINED RENEWAL AND CONTINUITY OF OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING EVERY ELECTION; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 124
(Extensions of Remarks - July 09, 2020)
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[Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E619-E620] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMITTMENT TO SUSTAINED RENEWAL AND CONTINUITY OF OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING EVERY ELECTION ______ HON. HALEY M. STEVENS of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2020 Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with respect and upon reflection of the core tenets of our democracy: our federal elections and their aftermath. As you know, Madam Speaker, our nation boasts a steady history, no matter the circumstance, of maintaining a peaceful and efficient process upon the conclusion of our presidential elections. Whether a President continues in office for another term, experiences defeat, or concludes holding office due to the Constitutional term limit, our democracy has flourished to the benefit of the American people for centuries. Our streak of peaceful transitions of power remains unbroken, intentionally and without accident. This reflects the genius of our founders and the will of the American people to continually commit to forming a more perfect union. In America, our government and its successful function does not depend on one person or political party. Rather, our federal government and its institutions represent the glory and the privilege bestowed by the system of a federated republic. And while to some, the peaceful transition in the aftermath of our presidential election may seem perfunctory, our society and the success of our economy depend on the reliable transition of presidents-elect or presidents continuing to a second term. It is without question essential that the talented and dedicated public servants in our federal government are able to serve the American people following the aftermath of any election. Such duties include ensuring no veteran is denied benefits and no Social Security recipient misses a check. Professional civil servants--nonpartisan and the best in their fields--provide continuity and ensure that government stays focused on serving the American people. From air traffic controllers to food safety inspectors to servicemembers defending our nation at home and abroad, the federal [[Page E620]] workforce ensures that citizen services are uninterrupted by a change in administration. As you may acknowledge, Madam Speaker, it was of the highest civilian honor for me to serve as a member of then President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, and to engage with the apolitical workforce. While the country faced economic peril, I formally joined the Administration just a few weeks after the President was sworn into office, as a White House appointee serving in the United States Department of the Treasury, alongside Presidential appointees of the former Administration of George W. Bush. I witnessed first-hand how a peaceful and collegial transition of power is achieved. In the process, I garnered tremendous respect for the dedicated career civil servants who continue to serve no matter the political outcome. Today, that same workforce is looking at two possibilities come November: preparing for a new administration or continuing to govern as part of the current administration. If, following the results of the November 3rd election, a presidential transition falls upon our federal government, a large task is at hand for the new administration. While this is not assumed, it is a scenario worthy of planning and consideration. Just as, if the current president is reaffirmed and continues to a second term, the duties of his administration will continue. Peace and trust in either scenario is paramount. In any such outcome, I ask of my fellow countrymen and women and with specific request of my colleagues within this coequal branch of government to pledge to achieve a more perfect union and recognize that in November, millions will see their votes cast for the winner of the Presidential election, just as millions will see their vote cast for the runner-up of the election. We may suspect or assume the continued and sustained activities of our federal government, and recommitting to this assurance is a healthy and productive exercising of our authorities. In particular, as collective bodies within the Congress and federal agencies, it is our cooperative responsibility to ensure strife and upheaval does not impede the critical duties of our civilian workforce. We, as an elected body of federal representatives oversee, fund, and authorize the efforts of our federal agencies and maintain a responsibility and dedication to their success, particularly in the aftermath of presidential elections. Today I officially submit as record to this chamber a request to my colleagues. We, as federated leaders and representatives, may express dismay and disagreement with one another and with election outcomes, but we also set the tone to continue the peaceful process following from the votes cast by millions and preparation for ongoing governance and legislative affairs. And we certainly maintain an authority to hold reckless actions of federal officials accountable. Many in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle have dedicated their life's work to achieving equality, and all took an oath upon being a sworn member of the United States House of Representatives to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Our duties are not just reflections; they are actions and commitments that form a more perfect union and promote the general welfare as this nation continues to thrive as a free and safe democracy. As we exercise the full abilities vested in us as men and women within this form of public trust, we commit to continued renewal and restoring of our government with each election. ____________________