Lawmaker praises National Mall rededication, rebukes cable news and urges civic study

A member of the House opened floor remarks by describing a recent rededication event on the National Mall as "extraordinary," saying many thousands of Americans attended and calling it an opportunity to "recommit ourselves to the cause" of the nation's founders. The lawmaker urged renewed civic education and warned that "too many young Americans are no longer taught the moral and religious foundations" of the country.

The lawmaker said a mainstream cable-news segment mocked his leading the prayer at the rededication and challenged that criticism by quoting the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. They're endowed by their creator with certain and inalienable rights, among those rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness." The speaker said that statement demonstrates the historical grounding for his remarks and called on viewers to read the Declaration, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers.

The lawmaker framed civic knowledge as essential to maintaining a constitutional republic and said an "informed and engaged electorate" is needed to preserve government "of, by, and for the people." He closed this portion of his remarks by urging renewed attention to foundational texts as the nation observes civic milestones.