BE THE VOICE OF MORAL GRANDEUR AND SPIRITUAL AUDACITY

On 2026-01-12, Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) delivered a floor speech titled "BE THE VOICE OF MORAL GRANDEUR AND SPIRITUAL AUDACITY" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered gun policy.

BE THE VOICE OF MORAL GRANDEUR AND SPIRITUAL AUDACITY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H648] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BE THE VOICE OF MORAL GRANDEUR AND SPIRITUAL AUDACITY (Ms. BALINT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. BALINT. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Abraham Heschel once sent a telegram to John F. Kennedy. Referring to racism in this country, he said: ``The hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.'' Now, 62 years later, we see the excessive brutality of ICE agents. Peaceful protesters are tear-gassed in the face. A pastor was shot in the head with a pepper ball. We have children being zip-tied, car windows smashed, people tackled and dragged, and guns pointed at unarmed bystanders. We have people targeted for the color of their skin or the accents that they speak in. ICE agents are demanding entrance to homes without warrants, and last week, an American citizen was gunned down. Americans know this is wrong, and they are horrified. People of conscience across this country must come together and be that voice of moral grandeur and spiritual audacity once again. We have to find our courage and speak out. There is no other way. ____________________