Press Releases

 In honor of the National Day of Civility, U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged lawmakers to make an intentional effort to restore dignity and respect in their political discourse. The holiday is a result of a resolution introduced by Johnson and Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fl.) last Congress. It is observed annually on July 12, inspired in part by the language of Matthew 7:12 which begins, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Johnson also penned an op-ed to mark the occasion.

JOHNSON RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

“Degrading dialogue and disrespect have become all too frequent in our political discourse. It has hindered productivity and resulted in division throughout the country. Though disagreement and opposition are inevitable, we can disagree in an agreeable manner. I am proud to join many of my colleagues on this year’s National Day of Civility to recommit to these ideals and work across party lines to reverse the detrimental divisiveness in today’s culture.”

BACKGROUND

In the 115^th Congress, Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” to memorialize an agreement between members to, among other things, restore collegiality, trust and civility to the Congress, encourage productive dialogue, and work to build consensus and trust in America’s institutions. Nearly 150 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have since signed the pledge, and it is now being adopted by other governmental bodies nationwide.

Representatives Johnson, Crist and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) are co-chairs of the bipartisan Honor and Civility Caucus to foster more productive dialogue in Congress and advance specific initiatives to improve the tone of the nation’s politics and public discourse.