Protecting Life and Liberty

Upholding Marriage Equality

Yesterday, the Democratic House sent the Respect for Marriage Act to President Biden's desk for signature, an historic step forward in our fight to defend the dignity and equality of every American.

This landmark legislation takes several steps to uphold marriage equality under federal law. First, it tears the bigoted, unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act off the books for good. Second, it enshrines married couples' right to equal protection under federal law – from tax filings to Social Security to bereavement and veterans' benefits. Third, it requires that every state recognizes all valid out-of-state marriages – regardless of any heinous restrictions imposed under state law.

San Francisco is blessed with a vibrant LGBTQ community, and our City has long led the charge for justice and equality. It is a point of great personal pride that the Respect for Marriage Act is one of the final bills to bear my signature as Speaker, because it reflects the values that San Franciscans hold dear – honoring the dignity, beauty and divinity of every person.

Honoring the Defenders of Democracy
On January 6, 2021, an insurrection erupted at the Capitol, seeking to nullify the results of a free and fair election. A violent mob attacked members of law enforcement, desecrated the halls of Congress and traumatized the Congressional community. Five Americans died as a result of this violent attack, and nearly 140 police officers were injured. Without the heroism of our Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police forces, this attack could have been unthinkably worse.

It was my honor to present the Congress' highest honor – the Congressional Gold Medal – to the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police and every hero of January 6th. It was a day of horror and heartbreak, yet also a moment of extraordinary heroism. Staring down deadly violence and despicable bigotry, our law enforcement officers answered the call to serve – putting their lives on the line to protect the Capitol, the Congress and the Constitution. They bravely stood in the breach, ensuring that Democracy survived on that dark day.

Today, and every day, we are grateful to those heroes for their service and sacrifice: especially the fallen, who have become martyrs for Democracy.

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