Something rare…
There is a credo etched above the Speaker of the House’s chair that reads:
“Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”
In a time of increasing division and obstruction, it often seems like Congress fails to perform at all, much less something worthy of remembrance. In this atmosphere, it’s easy to forget we serve alongside some truly remarkable men and women on both sides of the aisle — individuals who have already done so much for our nation. This week, we managed to put aside our differences long enough to honor two of them: Republican Sam Johnson of Texas and Democrat John Lewis of Georgia.
Both Reps. Johnson and Lewis are the epitome of heroism and service. One a Republican, one a Democrat. One conservative, one progressive. One endured torture as a POW during the Vietnam War, the other faced beatings from the Alabama police in the fight for equality. They are living reminders that patriotism knows no party, and this week they were both honored as the first recipients of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Congressional Patriot Award.
These days it’s rare for both parties to come together. This Tuesday night, we managed to do just that. When Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi hung the medal around Rep. Johnson’s neck and when Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy did the same for Rep. Lewis, it was a reminder that we are all capable of greatness.
Regardless of party, we came to Congress in the hopes of making a meaningful difference in our constituents’ lives. Whether through immigration reform or job creation, easing the burden of student debt or preventing gun violence. These issues aren’t Democratic or Republican; they’re American. We may disagree on how to solve each challenge, but that shouldn’t keep us from trying.
For one night this week, we managed to put aside our differences, to silence the rhetoric meant to build walls between us, and instead remember that we all want what’s best for our country. We serve with several incredible figures like Sam Johnson and John Lewis who have done great things, endured incredible tragedies, and emerged as the thoughtful leaders we all aspire to be. They have done much worthy of being remembered. It is time for Congress to do the same.
