Rep. Calvert Statement on House Rules Package for the 117th Congress

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement on the House Rules Package for the 117th Congress:

"It's shameful that Speaker Pelosi's first action in the 117th Congress is to trample the First Amendment rights of Republicans and disenfranchise millions of Americans. The Speaker's heavy-handed rules package breaks with long-standing precedents that protect the rights of the minority party. Make no mistake, by making changes like removing PAYGO requirements, House Democrats are paving a path to a radical agenda that involves kicking Americans off their health insurance plans, implementing the Green New Deal, and an open embrace of socialism."

Background:
(From the House Rules Committee Minority Staff)

GUTS MINORITY RIGHTS AND THE MOTION TO RECOMMIT
Continues the assault on minority voices by removing the ability to debate a motion to recommit, and the ability to offer a motion to recommit with instructions, and turns it into another empty promise of minority rights.

CODIFIES CENSORSHIP
Censors free speech by subjecting all Members and employees of the House to disciplinary action if they post or share certain files deemed to be "distorted or manipulated" and designed to "mislead the public," including those shared on their unofficial, personal accounts.

PAVES THE WAY FOR THE "GREEN NEW DEAL"
Allows Democrats to avoid even discussing out-of-control spending by providing massive PAYGO exceptions for anything related to "measures to prevent, prepare for, or respond to economic or public health consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and measures to prevent, prepare for, or respond to economic, environmental, or public health consequences resulting from climate change."

CONTINUES PROXY VOTING AND REMOTE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Consistent with House Resolution 965 from the 116th Congress, this Rules Package authorizes proxy voting and remote committee proceedings. It does not require committees to make any certifications prior to holding official business meetings.