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House adopts resolution congratulating Donald J. Trump amid floor amendments and debate
Summary
House Joint Resolution 7, congratulating Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as president, passed second reading after floor amendments and divided debate; amendments to tone and language were offered and one amendment failed by a narrow margin.
Representative Mitchell introduced House Joint Resolution 7, a resolution congratulating Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as President of the United States. Mitchell delivered a floor statement praising the president and listing policy expectations.
Members offered several amendments to the resolution. Representative Kayla Pinkel proposed an amendment described as a friendly change; Representative Carter offered amendments seeking removal of inflammatory ‘‘whereas’’ clauses. One amendment (HJ 7.1.4) was adopted; a subsequent amendment (HJ 7.1.3) to remove several whereas clauses failed 49 ayes to 51 noes.
Floor debate included criticism that some whereas language was inflammatory or divisive. Representative Carter urged removal of the whereas clauses to present a more respectful resolution, while Majority Leader Fitzpatrick defended the clauses as reflective of many constituents.
The motion to recommend the resolution do pass carried on second reading by a vote of 53 ayes and 47 noes.
Why it matters: the resolution is symbolic and nonbinding, but the floor amendments and close vote illustrate partisan divisions within the House on tone and messaging involving national politics.
