Attacks on Library of Congress

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, President Trump fired the Librarian of Congress just 1 year shy of completing her 10-year term. He also fired the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, replacing them with his former lawyers and current DOJ appointees. While the President may get to appoint the Librarian, these offices are under the jurisdiction of Congress, and we should be consulted.

I have raised concerns about troubling patterns that we have seen emerging in our country, patterns that echo tactics of regimes in Hungary, North Korea, and Venezuela. These are not governments we admire. Yet, this latest move fits that mold.

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library and a symbol of our commitment to free thought. We have seen growing attacks on libraries and books nationwide. Now it seems even the Library of Congress is not off limits.

While personnel were fired, this is about power, who controls what Americans read, learn, and dream. When you limit access to knowledge, you limit freedom. You send a clear message that questioning authority is no longer welcome.

The slide away from democracy continues.

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