Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida proposed an amendment to the House Judiciary Committee’s rules mandating that each hearing begin with the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. However, many of his Democratic colleagues opposed this proposal.

Staff Sergeant Corey Beekman, a Purple Heart winner from Gaetz’s district, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to start the committee’s first meeting on Wednesday.

Staff Sergeant Corey Beekman is a Purple Heart recipient, an American hero, and a constituent of mine from Florida’s First District.

This morning, it was my distinct honor to introduce him to the House Judiciary Committee to lead us in the first Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hhL2L6qNEt

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 1, 2023

Gaetz then proposed that an amendment be introduced to the committee’s rules mandating that all committee meetings begin with the Pledge, in order to commemorate American heroes by inviting them to lead the pledge prior to meetings.

This made a number of Democrats on the committee unhappy, and a few of them spoke out against the proposed amendment.

One of them was Rhode Island Representative David Cicilline, who offered an amendment prohibiting “insurrection” supporters from leading the pledge.

While he likely had in mind Trump supporters who were doubtful of the 2020 election results, Gaetz was quick to point out that, under that definition, numerous Democrats were also culpable, since they had previously refused to accept election outcomes.

I just introduced an amendment in the House Judiciary Committee to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before every meeting.

This is common sense. Why does patriotism make Democrats so heated? pic.twitter.com/Jl8E67vQdp

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 1, 2023

Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York objected to the proposal since he was already required to repeat the commitment on the House floor.

Unbelievable. @RepJerryNadler just said he opposes @RepMattGaetz's offer to say the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE before Judiciary Committee meetings. pic.twitter.com/ynaw3Wqoz6

— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) February 1, 2023

This is a really weak justification. Before carrying out their duties, all elected officials must be reminded of their obligation to serve the American people. A fantastic method to guarantee that this obligation is never forgotten is to recite the vow before every meeting.

Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas, a Republican, came out in support of Gaetz’s proposal, stating that it was “necessary” to take the Pledge before to meetings and expressing disappointment that it had become a political issue.

Thank you @RepWesleyHunt for this terrific debate in support of my amendment to start our committee hearings with the Pledge of Allegiance!https://t.co/m8gAZ97dLD pic.twitter.com/ymZzM8qdn6

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 1, 2023

This begs the issue of why so many Democrats oppose this straightforward act of patriotism.

Gaetz did not offer this amendment as a political gimmick; rather, he did so to commemorate American heroes and to remind our elected representatives of their duties to the nation.

Why do Democrats dislike patriotism so much? Perhaps it’s because liberal cultural organizations regularly teach us that the United States is a racist, terrible nation.

This amendment is ideal for restoring national pride. There is no legitimate justification for this to be a political issue.