Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered remarks at today’s Energy and Commerce Committee markup on a Resolution of Inquiry on the Biden administration’s efforts to censor Americans by colluding with Big Tech.

Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks:

SALUTE TO DEPARTING MEMBERS

“As the 117th Congress comes to a close, I too want to express appreciation to every member of the committee for their hard work during this Congress for the many issues we were able to address. All very important.

“I also want to say that we’re going to miss all of you who are not returning, on our side of the aisle, in particular.

“Mr. Upton, former Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, just an extraordinary leader of this committee. I’ll always remember when you were in the chair, prioritizing bipartisan work. You wanted to encourage that tradition on this committee and encourage members to come together wherever possible.

“I also will remember you for your leadership on 21st Century Cures with Diana Degette and so many others on the committee, making sure that America continues to lead on cures and breakthroughs.

“You led the charge there. You set a high bar for all of us. You’ve been just an extraordinary representative.

“I also want to call out Mr. McKinley, who is one of our ranking members. Again, such commitment to the people of West Virginia as well as the country.”

BIG TECH IS CENSORING PEOPLE ONLINE

“For years now, Big Tech has been flagging, suppressing, and outright banning conservatives on their platforms simply for not adhering to their political agenda.

“They’ve denied all of these accusations, of course, including in front of this very committee and now, thanks to the recent Twitter Files, we know they were lying.

“Top Twitter executives were shadow banning conservatives despite Jack Dorsey claiming otherwise when he was before this committee in 2018.

“There have been similar reports showing the Biden administration has been colluding with Big Tech to shut down speech, especially speech that runs counter to President Biden’s agenda.

“In March, the Surgeon General stood at the White House podium and urged Big Tech to quote ‘do more’ to silence people online.

“Fauci, the CDC, and others have used their official government positions to directly ask social media companies to pull down content or even deactivate accounts.

“At every turn, Energy and Commerce Republicans have condemned these actions and demanded transparency from the administration and Big Tech.”

AMERICA WAS FOUNDED ON FREE SPEECH

“Free speech is foundational to America and our way of life.

“Free speech has led to ingenuity and innovation in everything from science to art.

“Free speech has been essential for entrepreneurs succeeding in every industry, including the tech industry.

“Our country was founded on this.

“Our founding fathers and mothers enshrined the First Amendment to protect against government officials abusing their positions of power and public trust to try to silence the voices of those with whom they disagree.

“Free speech should be cherished and preserved.

“And any attempt by the government to force, coerce or suggest private companies censor people’s free speech is incredibly alarming and warrants scrutiny.

“I am pleased to support this resolution asking for more evidence of these conversations between Big Tech and the administration.”