House Judiciary Committee Divided Over Proposed Amendment Requiring Pledge of Allegiance at Meetings

A heated debate erupted in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday over the Pledge of Allegiance. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) proposed an amendment that would require the committee to begin each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the committee’s ranking member, immediately opposed the amendment, saying that members “pledge allegiance every day on the floor.”

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) then called on Gaetz to stay away from leading the Pledge of Allegiance, citing his fear that some Republicans could make a “mockery” of it. Nadler said the amendment would give members “the ability to invite inspirational constituents” to be able to share and lead in the pledge.

The debate lasted nearly an hour, with Cicilline speaking out against insurrection supporters. Nadler argued that there was no need to pledge allegiance twice in the same day to show patriotism. Gaetz maintained that the amendment would give members the opportunity to recognize the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The amendment was eventually withdrawn, and the committee moved on to other business. The debate highlighted the deep divisions in the House over the issue of patriotism and the role of the Pledge of Allegiance in Congress.