The Loyal Opposition- HHS Students Meet Rep. Gerry Connolly

Rep. Gerry Connolly and David, the student who voted most often with him in our Current Affairs class. Rep. Connolly participated in a Q&A with HHS students on December 15th, 2016. He then arranged for some students to go on the floor of the House of Representatives while others observed from the gallery.

Xochitl- If you were a member of the Electoral College, would you vote for a different Republican, like say Mitt Romney to stop Trump from becoming President? ANSWER- Well you would have to get a lot of other Republicans to do that. I would vote for Hillary.  It's time to get rid of the electoral college.

Emma-On your vote on Joe “You Lie!” Wilson, since he insulted President Obama and Obama accepted his apology, why wasn’t that enough? ANSWER- It was disrespectful and you have to draw a line. The Civil War started in South Carolina and perhaps there is a deeper meaning when a representative from South Carolina insults the first African-American president of the United States. I voted to punish him because it was rude and nobody should be able to call someone a liar in the House. I would never say that to Donald Trump even though I don't like him.

Matt- We always hear how partisan things are on the Hill but I assume you work well with some Republicans. Who are some Republican friends or otherwise work well with?  ANSWER- Darrell Issa and I worked together to pass legislation as well as Mark Meadows. The problem is members come here and work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then go back home. We don't have time to really get to know each other. When we travel places we realize we can respect and like members of the opposite party. We need more of that.

Beverly- What are your best and or worst moments as a member of congress?

ANSWER- The best was President Obama signing the Lilly Ledbetter Act into law.  It meant equal pay for women. I voted for that for my daughter and all the daughters in the country. I considered it a present for my daughter. The worst is just meeting people who are rude.

Keila(front)- You voted for Encouraging Display of In God We Trust in Public Schools. Would  you be of if Mr. Graney put a large "In God We Trust" poster at the front of his Fairfax County Public Schools classroom? ANSWER- Well we have "In God We Trust" on our money. I would be ok with that. I think the founders had it right. Government should not promote a specific religious viewpoint.

Haley (right)- Do you think the SNL skits were fair to Trump and Hillary? ANSWER- I think they were funny and fair. They told the truth in a funny way. I think the skit with Trump "stalking" Hillary was the best.

Chloe and Rep. Connolly had an interesting conversation on the Electoral College and the responsibilities of voters. 

Nicole (front row, middle)- Regarding Prohibiting Federal Funding of National Public Radio what was your reaction to Juan Williams statement about Muslims at airports and do you think he should have been fired by NPR? ANSWER- It was odd that Juan Williams would say that about Muslims especially since he is African-American. How would he feel if someone said they get nervous when they see an African-American on the streets? He should not get fired but he should get counseling.

Evan (back row, right)- Since the senate rule to end debate requires sixty votes does that mean the Obamacare law may not be repealed? ANSWER- Republicans will get around that by using reconciliation of the bill. They are repealing it for purely political reasons and they still don't have a plan to replace it. The end result may end up being Medicare for all, so they might regret the repeal.

Dave (last row, left)- Donald Trump insulted veterans, Gold Star parents, Mexicans, Muslims, women, a disabled reporter and many others. Why do you think some voters overlooked all that and voted for him? ANSWER- When I came to Fairfax County there were 300,000 people here. There are now over one million. We wanted and needed people to come here so we welcomed them. For many parts of our country jobs were exported and many people were hurting. So if someone new came along they may not have been welcoming. So when Trump said he would bring their jobs back, they flocked to that message.

Lindsey (back right)- What was your election night experience like? ANSWER- It was a disturbing experience. I knew I was going to win my election, so I was just concerned with the presidential election.  The night was going fine, until it flipped and Hillary started losing. Now, I have no time to mourn because I am too busy being the comforter for the public.

Joe- Regarding the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act if there are people who broke the law coming into our country and continue to break it, should the law err on the side of those breaking the law or those enforcing the law? ANSWER- We should err on the side of those who came here. I'm very against breaking up families and deportation. It's very complicated.

Hiba (center)- Who are your favorite and least favorite among those Trump has appointed or nominated for positions in his administration? ANSWER (long pause)- I have many issues with the people Trump has nominated for positions in his administration....

Furva- Why did you vote against a pay freeze for Congress and Non-Military Federal Workers? ANSWER- Federal workers have not had a raise in many years and I think it is time they did.

Many thanks for Mrs. Cosgrove and Mrs. Bosworth joining us today.