House of Representatives Meets as Democrats Consider Impeachment: Transcript

Debbie Dingell: (05:07)
The House will be in order. The chair lays before the House a communications from the Speaker.

Speaker 2: (05:18)
The Speaker’s Rooms, Washington DC, January 11th, 2021.

Speaker 2: (05:25)
“I hereby appoint the honorable Debbie Dingell to act as speaker pro tempore on this day.” Signed Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Debbie Dingell: (05:35)
The prayer will be offered by Chaplain Kibben.

Chaplain Kibben: (05:41)
Would you pray with me?

Chaplain Kibben: (05:44)
Merciful God, we enter these chambers with a sense both of uncertainty and of indignation. The events of last week, the destruction, the damage, and the deaths of our fellow Americans are deeply disturbing. The seeds of discontent were sewn across our country, and we have reaped the whirlwind. Almighty God, speak into the storm, allow your Holy Spirit to descend upon the chaos and minister to our hearts. Still our fears, that we would remain firm in our resolve. Still our anger, that we would yield ourselves to your gracious design for this nation.

Chaplain Kibben: (06:32)
Lord, vindicate your intent for us to serve as representatives, not just of our districts, but of your will. Your love, Lord, endures forever. We pray, do not abandon the work of your hands. And as the spirit moves among us, inspire us again with your purpose. Stir in us anew the desire to serve you well and faithfully, as we seek to serve this divided country.

Chaplain Kibben: (06:59)
Call us to hear the words of your mouth and praise you with our lives this day, and in the days to come. For we pray these things in the strength of your Holy name, amen.

Debbie Dingell: (07:12)
Amen.

Debbie Dingell: (07:14)
Pursuant to section 5A1A of House resolution eight. The journal of the last day’s proceedings is approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Brownley.

Julia Brownley: (07:32)
Place your hand over your heart and repeat after me.

Attendees: (07:40)
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Debbie Dingell: (07:51)
The chair lays before the house, a communication.

Speaker 2: (07:58)
“The honorable, the Speaker, House of Representatives, madam, I hereby submit my resignation as Sergeant at Arms of the US House of Representatives. It has been an honor to serve. Signed very respectfully, Paul D Irving, Sergeant at arms.”

Debbie Dingell: (08:14)
Without objection, the resignation is accepted.

Debbie Dingell: (08:21)
Pursuant to the provisions of section 208A, of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, the Chair appoints Timothy Paul Blodgett, of the state of New York, to act as and to exercise the duties of, Sergeant of Arms, of the House of Representatives, effective today.

Debbie Dingell: (08:48)
Oh, right there. Thank you.

Debbie Dingell: (08:50)
Without objection, the Chair will now administer the Oath of Office. Please raise your right hand.

Debbie Dingell: (08:59)
Do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic? That you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same? That you take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion? And that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you are about to enter, so help you God?

Timothy Paul Blodgett: (09:33)
I do.

Debbie Dingell: (09:36)
Congratulations.

Debbie Dingell: (09:48)
Without objection, the clerk lays before the House, the following resolution.

Speaker 2: (09:55)
House Resolution 22. Resolution electing a member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

Debbie Dingell: (10:05)
Without objection, the resolution is adopted, and a motion to reconsider is laid upon the table.

Speaker 2: (10:11)
[inaudible 00:10:15].

Debbie Dingell: (10:16)
Without objection, the Chair lays before the House, the following resolution.

Speaker 2: (10:23)
House resolution 23. Resolution electing a member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

Debbie Dingell: (10:32)
Without objection the resolution is adopted, and a motion to reconsider is laid upon the table.

Debbie Dingell: (10:41)
For what purpose does the gentleman from Maryland seek recognition?

Speaker 7: (10:45)
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the committee on the judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.Res.21, and ask for its immediate consideration in the house.

Debbie Dingell: (10:58)
The Clerk will report the title of the resolution.

Speaker 2: (11:02)
House resolution 21. Resolution calling on Vice President, Michael R Pence to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section four of the 25th amendment to declare President Donald J. Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office, and to immediately exercise powers as acting president.

Speaker 8: (11:24)
Madam Speaker.

Debbie Dingell: (11:26)
For what purpose does the gentlemen from West Virginia rise?

Speaker 8: (11:28)
I object.

Speaker 2: (11:30)
Objection is heard.

Debbie Dingell: (11:31)
Objection is heard.

Speaker 2: (11:32)
Pursuant to…

Debbie Dingell: (11:32)
Pursuant to section 5A1B of the House resolution 8, the house stands adjourned to 9:00 AM tomorrow.