(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) today joined Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Honor and Civility Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (D – MO) to announce the reintroduction of bipartisan legislation establishing July 12th as a National Day of Civility. First introduced in the 115th Congress, this legislation is a continuation of the work this caucus has done and continues to do to encourage working relationships across party lines at both the member and staff level.

"Upon arriving in Washington three years ago, I took a pledge to the people I serve that I would continue to rise above partisan politics and treat my colleagues with respect and dignity. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we as a nation put politics aside to pull through this moment of unprecedented crisis," said Congressman Crist. "I am again calling for a National Day of Civility to spotlight the importance of unity both through this crisis and beyond, and I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle as we put people above politics to protect our fellow Americans and move our country forward."

"In challenging times, Americans have always found a way to rise of above our disagreements and unite for the greater good of our nation. The coronavirus pandemic is no exception. So many Americans--from our health care providers to essential workers to the everyday heroes making a positive impact in our communities--have shown what it means to treat their fellow citizens with dignity and respect. I can think of no better way to honor and elevate the example they have set than to join with Congressman Crist once again to recognize a National Day of Civility. I am proud to be a part of this ongoing effort to promote civil dialogue and bring Americans of all viewpoints together as we strive to make a more perfect union,” said Congressman Johnson.

“One of the key lessons I learned early in life is that niceness is priceless” said Congressman Cleaver. “It costs us nothing to treat each other with the respect and dignity that every human being deserves, and it leads us to common ground that we may have never known existed. I want to thank Rep. Crist for introducing this resolution to create a National Day of Civility and for his efforts to restore civility in the halls of Congress."

"Civility is not passivity. To the contrary it is an active and intentional exercise in listening to others, recognizing where they are coming from, and seeking commonalities whenever possible," said a spokesperson for the Bipartisan Policy Center. "Civility is a predicate to working beyond differences for the common good, particularly in a divided country. A National Day of Civility would shine a necessary spotlight on this important component of our national discourse."

The Bipartisan Original Co-Sponsors of this legislation also include: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R – PA), H. Morgan Griffith (R – VA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R – WA),  Darren Soto (D – FL), David Joyce (R – OH), Alcee Hastings (D – FL), Stephanie Murphy (D – FL), Thomas Suozzi (D – NY), Andre Carson (D – IN), Vincente Gonzalez (D – TX), Dean Phillips (D – MN), and Debbie Dingell (D – MI).

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