A delegate’s anger flared in the House of Representatives on Friday as lawmakers considered a resolution to pledge support to the state of Texas, while Republicans called it a “neglect” of the federal government’s responsibilities at the southern border.
House Concurrent Resolution 64 claims that the federal government — although it does not specifically name a president or administration — has committed “deliberate” and “calculated” actions that leave the border vulnerable. If no action is taken, the resolution said, the “hostile situation” could “result in the destruction of our republic.”
The resolution promises “resolute support” for Texas and the state’s “sovereign right and duty to defend its borders and the welfare of its citizens.” It also condemns the federal government’s “actions or inactions” at the border, calls on federal leaders to “secure the southern border” and calls on other states to also stand in solidarity with Texas – by providing materials, manpower and support.
Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, who authored the resolution as lead sponsor, gave a fiery 10-minute, nearly 1,000-word speech condemning the “ideology” and practices of the “managerial class,” a social class theory under capitalism the term refers to Since its introduction in the 1970s, it has historically targeted educated individuals, who often have higher incomes than most workers.
“Colleges and universities in this modern age are so-called ideological mills, ideology mills. They are no longer the truth-seeking institutions they once were,” McGeehan said. “So what exactly is this ideology that these ideology mills are spreading? Well, I can tell you what this ideology does. It attacks what made America great. Hard work, religion, family, the Constitution, the American dream. It deconstructs everything.”
McGeehan continued, saying that people who study and work in the “humanities” – which includes the fields of philosophy, political science, art and history – are “indoctrinated” in their college classes to view America as “evil.” , explaining why he believes the “managerial class” doesn’t care about immigration issues or the potential threats it can bring.
With a doctorate in philosophy McGeehan, of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, is known for regularly quoting and quoting philosophical leaders and theories during debates in the House of Representatives. He is also the author of a philosophy book, “Stoicism and the Statehouse: An Old Philosophy Serving a New Idea,” and is pursuing further studies in philosophy at Duquesne University, according to his legislative biography.
“[Members of the managerial class] will never be at risk of having their jobs taken away from them. They will never be exposed to the poison spread in their neighborhood. To the children in their schools,” he said. “These leadership elites to whom I refer are safe from the threats of this massive illegal migration.”
In explaining why he believes the resolution is necessary, McGeehan expressed concerns about drug and human trafficking, as well as the impact of immigration on the American economy. Several Republican lawmakers during the session congratulated McGeehan on a “well-crafted” resolution before unanimously approving the bill, although six members were absent and did not take part in the vote.
In an ironic move, House Democrats – who were specifically addressed by McGeehan several times during his speech – joined their Republican colleagues and voted for the resolution in support of Texas, with Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Del. Sean Fluharty, D-Ohio, even reported as a co-sponsor.
This move finally came about, except for two Republicans – Del. Mickey Petitto, R-Harrison and Del. Larry Kump, R-Berkeley – voted out a the change by Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, who is calling on Congress to pass one non-partisan part of federal legislation This would reshape the country’s immigration policy while providing $100 billion in global security spending.
“If you are in favor of funding border security on the southern border, you will vote for it,” Pushkin said of his amendment.
In considering the resolution without the amendment, Fluharty said he agreed with several of its assertions because it does not name a specific president or time frame.
“I want to commend the wording because it clearly doesn’t specify a specific time period, it just says that the federal government has failed, meaning both the current administration and the previous administration,” Fluharty said, referring to former President Donald’s administration Trump. “I am glad that this body recognizes the mistakes of the previous administration.”
Several Democratic lawmakers criticized the resolution as political indulgence, noting that it failed to take real action.
“We might as well sign a letter that we can all send to Texas to wish them well,” Fluharty said. “It doesn’t really have any effect, so okay, okay, okay.”
Legislation and resolutions to “support” Texas have recently passed in several Republican legislatures. Lawmakers met in both on Tuesday Ohio And Kentucky filed such resolutions in their statehouses.
Unlike West Virginia, both are Ohio And Kentucky The resolutions specifically name President Joe Biden and his administration in the legislation. However, neither makes the same claims as the Mountain State.
“It’s clear that this is clearly partisan politics,” Del said. Mike Pushkin. “However, I have no problem voting for a meaningless, virtuous resolution. We do this all the time.”
