Penn State Wrestlers Engaging in Their Constitutional Right

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, throughout American history, leaders of various faiths have impactfully tended the needs of believers while simultaneously participating in political movements relating to significant issues, such as equality, the right to vote, and the sanctity of human life.

The roles of leader and political organizer never have been mutually exclusive.

I was reminded of this duality in roles, by choice of the individual, during a recent conversation with a constituent. In short, the constituent informed me that the onstage appearance of current and former Penn State wrestlers at President Trump's rally at Penn State was drawing unneeded criticism. Just as religious leaders can be both devoted advocates of their ministry and passionate champions of their causes, the Penn State wrestlers are most certainly entitled by our Constitution to be both representatives of their athletic program and citizens who are actively engaged in the electoral process.

The Nittany Lion wrestling program is renowned, not only for producing national championship teams, but for developing wrestlers who have dominated their sport on the collegiate level and then represented our country in international competitions as recently as the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer.

Our Nation prides itself on the inclusive nature of our political process. It is wrong to advocate for engaged citizenry on one hand while selectively choosing citizens who can participate and who cannot on the other hand.

According to recent reports, voter turnouts among people ages 18-29 was a mere 42 percent overall in the most recent Presidential election. That figure, that 42 percent, is at least 10 percent lower than the turnout of the same group 4 years prior in the 2020 Presidential election.

Mindful of that decline, the Penn State wrestlers, particularly those who are still pursuing their degrees, should be applauded for embracing one of our most cherished freedoms: the right to vote.

Competing as a wrestler does not preclude an individual from expressing political viewpoints, despite criticism that might or might not be of a partisan nature.

As a proud Penn State alumnus, I witnessed firsthand the wrestlers exercising their First Amendment right to free speech and encouraging all Americans to cast their ballot. Our great Nation needs the wisdom, enthusiasm, and talents of people across generations to overcome the challenges that were the focus of our most recent election. It is fair to say that the generation with the most at stake is the youngest generation. It is their leadership that should be encouraged. It is their perspective that must be considered. It is their voice that must be heard.

For the benefit and for the enrichment of all Americans, I congratulate these young wrestlers for exercising their constitutional rights, and I personally thank them for their commitment to engaging in our political process. The American People Have Spoken

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the past 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration has failed the American people.

Under President Biden's watch, our adversaries have been emboldened, inflation has skyrocketed, and our borders have been left unsecure.

With these crises, we have seen Americans be put in danger. We recognize that the Biden-Harris administration had no answers. They had no solutions on how to keep us safe, and now the American people have spoken.

When voters were asked if they were better off now compared to 4 years ago, they resoundingly said no. That is why in January, President Donald J. Trump will return to the Oval Office.

Under President Trump's leadership, we will, once again, lower energy prices by utilizing the energy sources that are under the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania.

Under President Trump's leadership, we will secure our southern border and put a stop to the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl that have taken far too many American lives.

Under President Donald J. Trump, our Nation will, once again, return to a policy of peace through strength that has helped to keep our Nation safe and the American people free.

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