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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) delivered remarks during the Member’s Testimonial event, where Members of Congress shared their memories and reflected on the first anniversary of the January 6th attack. Below her remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Madam Speaker, beloved colleagues, the Sicknick family. 

One year ago, I was trapped in the gallery with about two dozen of my Democratic colleagues and members of the press. In fact, I was in the final group of members and journalists to make it out of the House Chamber that day. The Capitol had long-been breached, and we had already been surrounded for some time by insurrectionists intent on overturning our election and trampling on our democracy.

I’m standing here today because Capitol Police saved my life. They saved our lives, and they saved our democracy. I want to say thank you to each and every one of them for their courage, selflessness, and bravery. I know many of them are still hurting, especially today, and we hurt with you. But you have to know how grateful many of us are. My children still have their mother because of you. My husband still has his wife because of you. My mother still has a daughter because of you. Thank you.

As terrifying as the attack on our Capitol was, what should be even more terrifying to each of us is just how fragile our democracy is.

While media executives and social media CEOs drown in profits, their platforms continue to spread the wild and toxic misinformation that has seduced and radicalized millions of our fellow Americans. A former President continues his dangerous efforts to take our country down a road that leads to authoritarianism. And too many people in power either look the other way or are only too happy to fan these deadly flames.

The country I grew up in is one where we came together in times of strife and great challenge. Where we looked out for each other and rooted each other on. I grew up in an America where we work together to strengthen democracy here and abroad. 

That’s the country I am determined to give to my children and their children and their children’s children. It’s the country I remain committed to. And I plead with my fellow Americans to join us in our effort to preserve our democracy for future generations to enjoy. Let January 6th be a reminder that we still have something precious within our grasp. Let us commit today to keeping, guarding, and revering it every day of our lives before we lose it forever. 

May God bless all of you and may God bless the United States of America.