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HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE U.S. CAPITOL CUSTODIAL WORKERS
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HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the work of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the Black and brown members, for their excellent work every day, but especially for their work across the Capitol complex after it was desecrated on January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters and insurrectionists trying to reverse the results of a fair and free election. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated stewards of our temple of democracy, and their exemplary work deserves to be acknowledged.
The labor of Black and brown Americans is integral to the history of our Capitol building. When the Capitol was first constructed, enslaved Black laborers were brought in from across the country to build the home of our nation's democracy. Enslaved laborers were involved in nearly every step of construction, from quarrying marble and sandstone to masonry to devising the architectural innovations needed to install the Statue of Freedom in 1863.
Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the labor of Black and brown Americans. Our Black and brown custodial staff make sure the entire Capitol complex is pristine and accessible to all that visit, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked to maintain our community's health and safety. I see the pride they take in their work each and every day and thank them for their endless dedication.
On January 6, 2021, Black and brown custodial staff were in attendance as well. While media coverage has largely focused on the experiences of House Members and Senators, custodial and administrative staff throughout the Capitol complex weathered the siege all the same. Once the Capitol was secured, these dedicated employees were the first back to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our temple of democracy by the same rioters who made them fear for their lives.
Our colleagues' work to clean the Capitol is particularly commendable considering the appalling racial nature of the riots. Former President Trump and his supporters spread baseless allegations and lies about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including about the validity of votes cast in majority Black or brown cities. When election officials and the courts refused to overturn the results, a predominately white mob, including proud white supremacists, stormed the Capitol. After seeing these white rioters treated more kindly than protestors for racial justice often are, the largely Black and brown custodial staff were left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up broken glass, blood, empty bottles, and other items left by the mob. I read that a staff member described the experience of cleaning up after the insurrection as ``degrading.'' To that end, I say we see you and we appreciate your efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor did it go unnoticed.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished members of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff for their hard work in the aftermath of January 6, 2021 and for the professionalism they show each and every day.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 19
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