Nadler Shoots Down Florida Man’s Request For Pledge of Allegiance at All Meetings
The members of the House say the Pledge of the Allegiance every time they begin a session. While they don’t meet in session every day, the respectful ritual is absolutely observed in the appropriate manner. It’s not part of their daily protocol to recite the Pledge before regular meetings, but a small group of Republicans tried to make that happen on Thursday.
Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz introduced a proposal to begin each meeting of the House Judiciary Committee with the Pledge of Allegiance. Lawmakers spent time on debating but ultimately voted down his proposal. The panel’s chairman, Rep. Jerry Nadler, said it “wasn’t necessary” to recite the Pledge that often.

Gaetz made the request, ”in the spirit of national unity and pride”, arguing that “We’re all aware that in these times it’s important for the country to see members of Congress working together on some things and while I know that we can deal with divisive issues in the committee, it would be my hope that we could start every committee with a great, unifying, patriotic moment.”
Of course, no members of the public would actually witness any of these moments.
“I appreciate the gentleman’s suggestion, but we are covered by the House,” Nadler added. “We all say the Pledge of Allegiance every day.”
I proposed that we begin each meeting of the House Judiciary Committee by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Democrats just said "no."@RepJerryNadler said it's "unnecessary." pic.twitter.com/TquNSxqJzv
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 4, 2021
True to form, Gaetz took to Twitter to air his complaints without the proper context and was immediately roasted for once again obtusely overstepping as #MattGaetzIsATool once again began trending.
After they incited the attempted overthrow of the federal government, it’s so deeply offensive to watch my Republican colleagues on the Judiciary Committee lecture Democrats on the importance of saying the pledge of allegiance.
Their pledge clearly meant nothing on January 6th.
— Rep. Mondaire Jones (@RepMondaire) February 4, 2021
Every day that Congress gets gaveled in we recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Doing it at every committee is just performative. BTW the Republican caucus meetings doesn’t start with the Pledge of Allegiance either. 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/kxknnBcyxY
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 5, 2021
Why doesn't Sean Hannity open his show with the Pledge of Allegiance every night? Really makes you think. https://t.co/hP5HkmVLFt
— Eric Hananoki (@ehananoki) February 5, 2021
I mean, if manufacturing fake outrage is more important to you than half a million dead Americans, then you’re really killing it here, Rick #MattGaetzIsATraitorousTool https://t.co/yD4WetQRSz
— Give Tara Dublin Josh Hawley’s Book Deal (@taradublinrocks) February 5, 2021