Janelle Irwin Taylor
Pinellas County Congressman Charlie Crist was recognized Thursday night on the House floor for his efforts to bring more civility to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, thanked Crist during a speech before the freshman class of Congress for bracelets he gifted members.
“It says, ‘practice the Golden Rule,’ ” Tenney said. “And it’s emblematic and we wear them because we are endeavoring to meet our pledge for our commitment to civility.”
Crist co-sponsored a resolution creating a National Day of Civility. In an op-ed last year Crist and fellow co-sponsor Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, explained why increased focus on civility in Congress was important.
“A majority of Americans believe incivility in our politics encourages general incivility in society, which deters citizens from engaging in public service. Incivility can lead to intimidation, threats, harassment, cyberbullying, discrimination and violence,” they wrote.
The Hill published the piece following the shooting at a Congressional baseball game where Congressman Steve Scalise was shot. The shooter who fired more than 70 rounds also shot a police officer assigned to protect Scalise, a congressional aide and a lobbyist.
Crist’s National Day of Civility measure is supported by nearly 80 members of Congress from both parties including almost all of the 50 members of Crist’s freshman class.
Crist is also the co-chair of the Honor & Civility Caucus.
The comments were made during an address as Congress prepares to welcome its new class of freshman lawmakers next year.
“I hope that you all and Congressman Crist, and everyone continues on this great path next year. Including both sides of the aisle,” Tenney said.
Crist won re-election in a landslide this year against Republican George Buck. He was first elected in 2014 when he defeated incumbent David Jolly who was then a Republican. The former lawmaker has since shed his GOP affiliation.
