The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMMENDING THE MEMBERS OF THE GEORGIA NATIONAL GUARD
______
HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Georgia National Guard who were deployed to the District of Columbia and the National Capitol Region for the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice President of the United States.
Since 1636, the National Guard has consistently served the American people in much-needed roles that range from homeland defense, overseas combat, humanitarian aid, and defense support for civil authorities.
As all of us are aware, sustained military operations worldwide, coupled with declining numbers of active-duty personnel, have required the Department of Defense to rely more and more on the use of the Georgia National Guard. Following the violent and deadly attempted coup at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, 2,284 members from the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard, and the 116th and 165th Security Forces Squadrons of the Georgia Air National Guard selflessly arrived in Washington, D.C. in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic--risking their health and safety in multiple ways to do their duty. Their mission was to aid and support the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Secret Service, the United States Park Police, and other Federal law enforcement agencies as they worked to keep our nation's capital secure after its occupation by domestic terrorists.
In keeping with the National Guard's motto of ``Always Ready, Always There,'' these citizen-soldiers from Georgia were committed and ready on a moment's (short) notice to protect the U.S Capitol and ensure that there was a peaceful transfer of power on January 20 in response to their deployment orders. Thanks to these brave men and women from Georgia, there were no incidents of violence that threatened the inaugural ceremonies. There is no doubt in my mind that their service prevented further loss of life and threats against our democracy. At one of our darkest times, the Georgia National Guard was there to protect America--from all enemies foreign or domestic.
Madam Speaker, I am very proud of the Georgia National Guard. Because of their service, the will of the People was honored, and the institutions of our government remain intact. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me and the people of Georgia, in extending our sincerest appreciation, pride, and utmost gratitude to the Georgia National Guard, the Adjutant General of Georgia Thomas Carden, and his staff, for their outstanding work, morale, and dedication to duty during the inauguration.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 20
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up