Under Speaker McCarthy, Republicans believe ‘our nation is worth fighting for’ | Guest Opinion

House Republicans made a resolution for 2023: to vigorously serve the American people. For years, waves of politicians and the media have warned that our democracy is deteriorating. The 118th Congress’ election for the speakership was largely interpreted as evidence.

To echo the words of a few of my colleagues recently — “Nay.”

As we moved through 15 voting rounds and several nominations, the disruption in the chamber was uncomfortable and tiresome. But underneath the urgent conversations and contentious negotiations, positive energy pulsed through the Capitol’s hallways. Republicans had resurrected the long-forgotten practice of allowing disagreements to lead to debate, not “cancellation.” Leading with transparency, the party was strengthened by a democratic process that promised to give rise to our better notions.

Meanwhile, President Biden titillated the histrionic elements of the media by calling the election for House speakership election an “embarrassment,” reflecting the Democratic Party’s its accommodating attitude toward totalitarianism. Sure, China and Venezuela will never be embarrassed by dissenting government officials, a peace paid for by crushing basic human rights.

Conservative principles reject totalitarianism, often resulting in a fractured Republican strategy. Speaker Kevin McCarthy has assumed responsibility for bringing forth solutions. He displayed vision last year when he announced his commitment to addressing rebuilding the economy, securing our borders, and holding government accountable to “We, the people.”

Using the tools our wise Founding Fathers established, we empowered the American people and our democracy. In his first speech as speaker, McCarthy sent a unifying message, saying, “Our nation is worth fighting for. Our rights are worth fighting for. Our dreams are worth fighting for. Our future is worth fighting for.”

Republicans, ultimately, are not fighting each other. Rather, we reserve our ire to push against creeping socialism, defeat wokeness infiltrating our civil society and, above all, uphold American exceptionalism.

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District in Miami and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Small Business committees.

This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 12:45 PM.