[STATELY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] ♪ [BANGS GAVEL 3 TIMES] >> THE HOUSE WILL COME TO ORDER.

MEMBERS-ELECT FOR THE 2021 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PLEASE OCCUPY THE SEATS TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED.

VISITORS, PLEASE REPAIR TO THE LOBBIES AND GALLERIES.

THE ACTING SERGEANT AT ARMS WILL CLEAR THE ISLES AND CLOSE THE DOORS.

PLEASE BE IN ORDER AND SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.

WELCOME TO THOSE WHO ARE ASSEMBLED HERE TODAY AND TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE WATCHING OR LISTENING.

PURSUANT TO LAW YOU HAVE ASSEMBLED AT THIS TIME AND PLACE FOR THE CONVENING OF THE REGULAR 2021 BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

I REQUESTED ALL MEMBERS-ELECT AND GUESTS IN THE CHAMBER WHO ARE ABLE, RISE FOR THE OPENING PRAYER WHICH WILL BE OFFERED BY REPRESENTATIVE SHEPHERD.

PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE THEREAFTER, REPRESENTATIVE SHEPHERD.

>> LET US PRAY.

OUR PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROTECTION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE EVERY DAY.

GOD, WE PRAY A SPECIAL PRAYER TODAY FOR OUR NATION.

GOD, WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL INTERVENE.

WE PRAY TODAY FOR THIS ASSEMBLY, FOR EACH MEMBER.

WE PRAY FOR YOUR SPECIAL PROTECTION OF OUR RESOURCES.

GOD, BE WITH US.

GOD, WE PRAY YOU WILL BE WITH US.

WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE WITH OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS, AND ALL OF US THAT ARE WORKING WITH THESE INDIVIDUALS.

GOD, BE WITH THEM, PROTECT THEM.

GOD, WE PRAY FOR YOUR ABUNDANCE, FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, WITH YOU, WE'LL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC, AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION, OUR STATE, AND OUR COUNTRY.

GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR BLESSINGS.

NO PESTILENCE OR ANY HARM WILL COME TO US, AS WE TRUST IN YOU.

HAVE FAITH IN THE LORD.

WE ASK ALL OF THESE THINGS IN YOUR PRECIOUS NAME, JESUS CHRIST.

AMEN.

>> [ALL] AMEN.

>> REPRESENTATIVE BELL WILL LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG.

>> [ALL] I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> PLEASE BE SEATED.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE BEING THE CUSTODIAN OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ELECTIONS RETURNS HAS DEPOSITED, WITH THE PRINCIPAL CLERK FOR INCLUSION IN THE JOURNAL A COMPLETE CERTIFICATION OF ALL MEMBERS-ELECT AS EVIDENCED BY THE ABSTRACT OF VOTES FILED IN THAT OFFICE.

UNDER THE HAND AND SEAL OF THE CLERKS OF SUPERIOR COURT OF SEVERAL COUNTIES OF THE STATE, AND THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NECESSITY INDIVIDUAL FILING OF ELECTION CREDENTIALS, WITH THE PRINCIPAL CLERK.

THE NAMES OF PERSONS SO CERTIFIED AS BEING ELECTED SHALL BE CALLED A NUMERICAL ORDER BY HOUSE DISTRICT.

AS YOUR NAME IS CALLED, PLEASE STAND, ANSWER, PRESENT AND REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE ROLL CALL IS COMPLETED, AND THE OATH OF OFFICE IS ADMINISTERED.

THE ACTING READING CLERK WILL NOW READ THE CERTIFICATIONS OF ELECTION.

>> FIRST DISTRICT, EDWARD C. GOODWIN.

SECOND DISTRICT, LARRY YARBOROUGH.

THIRD DISTRICT, STEVE TYSON.

FOURTH DISTRICT, JIMMIE DIXON.

FIFTH DISTRICT, HOWARD HUNTER.

SIXTH DISTRICT, BOBBY HANIG.

SEVENTH DISTRICT, MATTHEW WINSLOW.

EIGHTH DISTRICT, KANDIE SMITH.

NINTH DISTRICT, BRIAN FARKAS.

10TH DISTRICT, JOHN BELL.

11TH DISTRICT, ALLISON DAHLE.

12TH DISTRICT, CHRIS HUMPHREY.

13TH DISTRICT, PATRICIA MCELRAFT 14TH DISTRICT, GEORGE CLEVELAND.

15TH DISTRICT, PHILIP SHEPHERD.

16TH DISTRICT, CARSON SMITH.

17TH DISTRICT, FRANK ILER.

18TH DISTRICT DEB BUTLER.

19TH DISTRICT, CHARLIE MILLER.

20TH DISTRICT TED DAVIS 21ST DISTRICT, RAYMOND SMITH.

22ND DISTRICT, WILLIAM BRISSON.

23RD DISTRICT, SHELLY WILLINGHAM.

24TH DISTRICT, LINDA SUGGS.

25TH DISTRICT, JAMES GAILLIARD.

26TH DISTRICT, DONNA WHITE.

27TH DISTRICT, MICHAEL WRAY.

28TH DISTRICT, LARRY STRICKLAND.

29TH DISTRICT, VERNETTA ALSTON.

30TH DISTRICT, MARCIA MOREY.

31ST DISTRICT, ZACK HAWKINS.

32ND DISTRICT, TERRY GARRISON.

33RD DISTRICT, ROSA GILL.

34TH DISTRICT, GRIER MARTIN.

35TH DISTRICT, TERENCE EVERITT.

36TH DISTRICT, PENDING.

37TH DISTRICT, ERIN PARÉÉ.

38TH DISTRICT, ABE JONES.

39TH DISTRICT, DARREN JACKSON.

40TH DISTRICT, JOE JOHN.

41ST DISTRICT, GALE ADCOCK.

42ND DISTRICT, MARVIN LUCAS.

43RD DISTRICT, DIANE WHEATLEY.

44TH DISTRICT, BILLY RICHARDSON.

45TH DISTRICT, JOHN SZOKA.

46TH DISTRICT, BRENDA JONES.

47TH DISTRICT, CHARLES GRAHAM.

48TH DISTRICT, GARLAND PIERCE.

49TH DISTRICT, CYNTHIA BALL.

50TH DISTRICT, GRAIG MEYER.

51ST DISTRICT, JOHN SAULS.

52ND DISTRICT, JAMIE BOLES.

53RD DISTRICT, HOWARD PENNY.

54TH DISTRICT, ROBERT REIVES.

55TH DISTRICT, MARK BRODY.

56TH DISTRICT, VERLA INSKO.

57TH DISTRICT, ASHTON CLEMMONS.

58TH DISTRICT, AMOS QUICK.

59TH DISTRICT, JON HARDISTER.

60TH DISTRICT, CECIL BROCKMAN.

61ST DISTRICT, MARY HARRISON.

62ND DISTRICT, JOHN FAIRCLOTH.

63RD DISTRICT, RICKY HURTADO.

64TH DISTRICT, DENNIS RIDDELL.

65TH DISTRICT, JERRY CARTER.

66TH DISTRICT, BEN MOSS.

67TH DISTRICT, CLAYTON SASSER.

68TH DISTRICT, DAVID WILLIS.

69TH DISTRICT, DEAN ARP.

70TH DISTRICT, PAT HURLEY.

71ST DISTRICT, EVELYN TERRY.

72ND DISTRICT, AMBER BAKER.

73RD DISTRICT, LEE ZACHARY.

74TH DISTRICT, JEFF ZENGER.

75TH DISTRICT, DONNY LAMBETH.

76TH DISTRICT, HARRY WARREN.

77TH DISTRICT, JULIA HOWARD.

78TH DISTRICT, ALLEN MCNEIL.

79TH DISTRICT, KEITH KIDWELL.

80TH DISTRICT, SAM WATFORD.

81ST DISTRICT, LARRY POTTS.

82ND DISTRICT, KRISTIN BAKER.

83RD DISTRICT, LARRY PITTMAN.

84TH DISTRICT, JEFFREY MCNEELY.

85TH DISTRICT, DUDLEY GREENE.

86TH DISTRICT, HUGH BLACKWELL.

87TH DISTRICT, DESTIN HALL.

88TH DISTRICT, MARY BELK.

89TH DISTRICT, MITCHELL SETZER.

90TH DISTRICT, SARAH STEVENS.

91ST DISTRICT, KYLE HALL.

92ND DISTRICT, TERRY BROWN.

93RD DISTRICT, RAY PICKETT.

94TH DISTRICT, JEFFREY ELMORE.

95TH DISTRICT, GREY MILLS.

96 DISTRICT, JAY ADAMS.

97TH DISTRICT, JASON SAINE.

98TH DISTRICT, JOHN BRADFORD.

99TH DISTRICT, NASIF MAJEED.

100TH DISTRICT, JOHN AUTRY.

101ST DISTRICT, CAROLYN LOGAN.

102ND DISTRICT, BECKY CARNEY.

103RD DISTRICT, RACHEL HUNT.

104TH DISTRICT BRANDON LOFTON 105TH DISTRICT, WESLEY HARRIS.

106 DISTRICT, CARLA CUNNINGHAM.

107TH DISTRICT KELLY ALEXANDER.

108TH DISTRICT, JOHN TORBETT.

109TH DISTRICT, DATA BUMBARBER.

110TH DISTRICT, KELLY HASTINGS.

111TH DISTRICT, TIM MOORE.

112TH DISTRICT, DAVID ROGERS.

113TH DISTRICT, JAKE JOHNSON.

114TH DISTRICT, SUSAN FISHER.

115TH DISTRICT, JOHN AGER.

116TH DISTRICT, BRIAN TURNER.

117TH DISTRICT, TIM MOFFITT.

118TH DISTRICT, MARK PLESS.

119TH DISTRICT, MARK CLAMPITT.

120TH DISTRICT, KAL GLESPIN.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SECRETARY OF STATE, I, ELAINE F MARSHALL, SECRETARY OF STATE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS MET TUESDAY, THE 24TH DAY OF NOVEMBER A DATE 2020, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 163 OF THE GERALD STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA.

AT WHICH TIME THE BOARD DID OPEN CONVERSE AND JUDICIALLY DETERMINED, THE RETURNS OF VOTES PASSED AND THE ELECTION HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER THE 3RD, 2020 AND ON NOVEMBER 30TH, 2020, AND MINISTRATIVE NATIVELY DISMISSED THE PROTEST TO THE ELECTION PURSUANT TO RULES 08NCACO2.0114 FOLLOWING WHICH THE WAKE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS CERTIFIED TO ME THAT JULIE VON HAVEN WAS DULY ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 36 DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 AND WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE TO SET MY HAND IN AND FIXED THE OFFICIAL SEAL DONE IN OFFICE AT RALEIGH, THE SECOND DAY OF JANUARY 2ND, 2021.

ELAINE MARSHALL, SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> THE CHAIR KNOWS THAT THE DISTRICT 36 IS PRESENT AS WELL AS DISTRICT 107TH KELLY ALEXANDER.

PETITIONS MEMORIALS OR PAPERS ADDRESSED TO THE HOUSE?

THE CHAIR NOTES, THE RECEIPT OF A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM REPRESENTATIVE DARREN JACKSON ON JANUARY 6TH.

THE CLERK WILL READ A PROCLAMATION FROM THE GOVERNOR.

>> THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WALT COOPER THE GOVERNOR THE APPOINTMENT OF JAMES ROBISON, 2021 2022 BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA A PROCLAMATION, WHEREAS REPRESENTATIVE DARREN JACKSON ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOUSE DISTRICT 39, 2021 2022 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, RESIGNED EFFECTIVELY JANUARY 6 2021.

AND WHEREAS THE PROVISIONS OF NC GENERAL STATUTE 163-11 BY C11, REQUIRE THAT THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF REPRESENTATIVE DEREK JACKSON BE FIELD BY APARTMENT OF THE PERSON RECOMMENDED BY THE HOUSE DISTRICT 39 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

WHEREAS THE HOUSE DISTRICT 39 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS NOTIFIED ME OF THIS RECOMMENDATION OF JAMES ROBERSON OF WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM.

I DO APPOINT JAMES ROBERSON AS A MEMBER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 2021-2020 GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

A WITNESS HERE ON TWO SIDES, NAMED AND AFFIXED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AT THE CAPITOL AND CITY OF RALEIGH.

THIS 11th DAY OF JANUARY, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2021 AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 245th.

ROY COOPER, GOVERNOR.

>> REPRESENTATIVE ROBERSON WILL OCCUPIED SEAT 106.

THE CHAIR DECLARE AS QUORUM PRESENT.

THE OATH OF OFFICE WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY CHIEF JUSTICE PAUL M. NEWBY, THE NORTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT.

MR. CHIEF JUSTICE, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED.

>> ALL OUR CONSTITUTION SINCE 1776 REQUIRE THE TAKING OF AN OATH TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SERVICE.

AT THIS TIME IF YOU PLACE YOUR LEFT HAND ON YOUR BIBLES AND RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND.

I WILL READ THE WHOLE OATH AND AT THE END I WILL ASK YOU TO RESPOND I DO OR I DO SO HELP ME GOD.

DO YOU SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY SWEAR YOU'LL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THAT YOU'LL BE FAITHFUL AND BEAR ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THE POWERS AND AUTHORITIES THAT ARE ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF AND ENDEAVOR SUPPORT, MAINTAIN AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE SO HELP YOU GOD AND DO YOU SWEAR THAT YOU'LL EXECUTE YOUR DUTIES AS A MEMBER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACCORDING TO THE BEST OF YOUR SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> I DO SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

THANKS FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE OUR STATE.

[APPLAUSE] >> MEMBERS... MEMBERS OF THE 155TH SESSION, CONGRATULATIONS.

PLEASE NOW BE SEATED.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SEATED AS MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS IS THE ELECTION OF A SPEAKER FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP.

I WILL NOW DETAIL THE VOTING PROCESS.

IN THE ABSENCE OF ADOPTED RULES, THE HOUSE IS GOVERNED BY USAGE, CUSTOM AND PRECEDENT AND THE GENERAL PARLIAMENTARY LAW.

IT HAS NOT BEEN THE CUSTOM OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ALLOW MEMBERS TO PASS ON A ROLL CALL VOTE.

THE ELECTION OF SPEAK REQUIRES THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS IN VOTING.

AN ANSWER OF PRESENT IS NOT A VOTE.

NO MEMBER MAY VOTE UNLESS THE MEMBER IS IN THE CHAMBER WHEN THE QUESTION IS PUT TO THE BODY.

WITH THAT, I DECLARE THE FLOOR OPEN TO NOMINATIONS FOR THE LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

>> I RISE TO PLACE THE NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE TIM MOORE OF CLEVELAND COUNTY BEFORE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS A NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

>> THE MEMBER HAS THE FLOOR.

YOU APPROACH THE WELL OF THE HOUSE AND PROCEED.

>> -- THAT WENT BEFORE ME THAT SAY THEIR CLASS IS THE BEST, THE OTHER FOUR WERE WRONG.

THE CLASS THAT PRODUCED REPRESENTATIVE TIM MOORE, CONGRESSMAN PATRICK McHENRY, BECKY CARNEY, BILL DALTRIDGE, THE SECRETARY OF ADMINISTRATION, IF YOU WANT TO ARGUE WITH ME AFTER THIS, I'LL BE GLAD TO TALK WITH YOU.

I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT I'VE SERVED UNDER THREE SPEAKERS.

ALL OF THEM WERE VERY GOOD AT WHAT THEY DID AND ADMINISTERING AS THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE, BUT NONE HAVE DONE IT ANY BETTER IN MY OPINION THAN SPEAKER TIM MOORE.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK HIM BECAUSE HE -- OF THE THREE I SERVED UNDER, HE'S THE ONLY ONE I DIDN'T STAY HERE UNTIL 5:00 A.M. AND 6:00 IN THE MORNING, SO I APPRECIATE HIM BEING RESPECTIVE OF OUR TIME AND OUR TIME AT HOME.

WE HAVE ONE KIND OF PROBLEM, THE SPEAKER AND MYSELF.

WE BOTH HAVE AN ADDICTION TO BUYING AUTOMOBILES.

ONE OF US CAN AFFORD IT AND ONE OF US CAN'T.

[LAUGHTER] I'LL LET YOU FIGURE THAT OUT.

BUT I WANT TO SAY THIS: I BELIEVE WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND THE EVIDENCE IF YOU HAVE SERVED HERE BEFORE WITH THE SPEAKER, AS SPEAKER, HE GENUINELY CARES ABOUT EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGARDLESS OF PARTY.

I'VE SEEN HIM DO NOTHING BUT BE VERY PATIENT AND KIND TO EVERYONE GIVING EVERYONE A VOICE IN THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

AND BECAUSE OF THAT, I ASK YOUR VOTE FOR SPEAKER TIM MOORE TO BE SPEAKER OF THIS SESSION.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLE LADY FROM CARTERET SEEK RECOGNITION?

>> I NOMINATE TIM MOORE AS THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

>> THE MEMBER HAS THE FLOOR.

YOU APPROACH THE WELL OF THE HOUSE AND PROCEED.

>> THANK YOU.

GREAT SEEING ALL OF YOU.

IT WAS AN HONOR WHEN I GOT ASKED TO SECOND THIS NOMINATION.

TIM MOORE HAS BEEN IN THE HOUSE I THINK A COUPLE OF YEARS LONGER THAN I HAVE.

SO WE'VE BEEN HERE A LONG TIMING TO.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE THAT REACHES ACROSS THE AISLE MORE THAN HE.

I AM HONORED TO SECOND THIS NOMINATION.

OUR COUNTRY IN 2020 HAS BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH.

WE AS AMERICAN CITIZENS NEED TO UNIFY.

WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AS AMERICANS.

I CAN'T SEE ANYONE IN THE SPEAKER POSITION DOING THAT BETTER THAN TIM MOORE.

HE WILL BRING US TOGETHER.

HE'S FAIR WITH COMMITTEES, MAKE SURE EVERYONE GETS A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE.

AND I'D LIKE TO SECOND THE NOMINATION FOR TIM MOORE OR THE SPEAKER OF THIS NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CHATHAM, REPRESENTATIVE REEVES SEEK RECOGNITION?

>> TO DEBATE THE NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER, MR.

CLERK.

>> THE MEMBER IS RECOGNIZED TO SPEAK TO THE NOMINATION.

>> THANKS VERY MUCH.

I WOULD AGREE REPRESENTATIVE McELRATH.

ONE THING THAT I THINK IS CLEAR TO ALL OF US THAT SERVE IN OFFICE TODAY IS THAT THE EVENTS OF THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS HAVE MADE ONE THING CLEAR.

THAT WE'VE GOT TO COME TOGETHER.

THAT WE HAVE TO COME TOGETHER AS A NATION, AS A STATE AND AS COMMUNITIES.

THE OTHER THING THAT HAS BEEN MADE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR, THAT HAS TO START HERE.

WE'VE GOT TO START BY RECOGNIZING THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

WE'VE GOT TO START BY RECOGNIZING THAT ALL VOICES MATTER.

NO MATTER WHAT OUR RESULTS, WHAT HOUR DIFFERENCES, THAT ALL VOICES SHOULD MATTER AND ALL VOICES SHOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAVE SPOKEN AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAJORITY PARTY FOR WINNING A COUPLE SEATS THIS YEAR.

HAVING THAT MAJORITY I THINK ALSO GIVES YOU THE EARNED RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER.

WHAT WE WOULD LET YOU KNOW TODAY, HOUSE DEMOCRATS, WE STAND WHAT WE HAVE STOOD FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS.

WE STAND FOR GOOD JOBS, GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE, BIGGER PAYCHECKS, GREAT HEALTHCARE ACCESS, GREAT EDUCATION AND MAKING NORTH CAROLINA WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO BE AND CONTINUE TO MAKE IT GREATER.

BUT WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT TO ACHIEVE THIS THAT TAKES ALL 120 OF US.

AND THAT PART OF ACHIEVING THIS IS RECOGNIZING THAT WE DO THIS TOGETHER AS A GROUP AND AS A UNIT.

AS A RESULT OF THAT, WE WOULD INFORM YOU THAT HOUSE DEMOCRATS DO SUPPORT THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN'S NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER.

WE DO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS OUR FIRST STEP THAT TOGETHER WE CAN DO WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE BELIEVE THAT ALL OF US RECOGNIZE ONE THING IN PARTICULAR.

WE HAVE AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY THIS YEAR ABOVE ALL OTHERS FOR ONE OF THE FEW TIMES IN OUR HISTORY WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT PEOPLE WANT OUR GOVERNMENT TO ACT.

THEY WANT OUR GOVERNMENT TO BE THERE FOR THEM.

WE'VE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TOGETHER TO FIGURE OUT THAT PATH FORWARD AND HOW TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND HOW TO GIVE THE BEST RESULT FOR ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR US BICKERING THIS YEAR, THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR US FIGHTING, THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR DISAGREEMENTS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH PARTISAN DISAGREEMENTS.

THEY WANT TO HEAR DISAGREEMENTS, TRUE CIVIL DISCOURSE AND DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT THE BEST WAY THAT WE CAN SEND NORTH CAROLINA FORWARD.

NOT BASED ON THE LETTERS BEHIND OUR NAMES BUT THE THOUGHT BEHIND OUR HEARTS AND THE WILL OF OUR CONSTITUENTS, WHICH ARE ALL SEPARATE.

ALL 120 OF US REPRESENT UNIQUE AREAS IN THE STATE.

LET THE VOICES BE HEARD.

LET US ALL BE HEARD IN UNISON TELLING PEOPLE GOING FORWARD FROM THIS DAY FROM THIS SESSION THAT WE ARE UNITED IN MAKING NORTH CAROLINA BETTER, THAT WE ARE UNITED IN STOPPING THE PARTISAN BICKERING, STOPPING THE UNNECESSARY FIGHTING AND WE ARE UNITED IN MAKING SURE THAT THIS HOUSE TRULY REPRESENTS THE PEOPLE.

THEREFORE WE DO SUPPORT YOUR NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SCOTLAND, REPRESENTATIVE PIERCE, SEEK RECOGNITIONS?

>> I ASK THAT THE REMARKS OF LEADER REIVES BE SPREAD ACROSS THE JOURNAL?

>> IS THERE OBJECTION TO THE MARKS BEING SPREAD ACROSS THE JOURNAL?

IF NOT SO ORDERED.

ARE THERE FURTHER NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR?

SEEING NONE, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALDWELL REPRESENTATIVE DESTIN HALL IS RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

>> MR.

CLERK, I MOVE NO NEIGHBORSES BE CLOSED AND REPRESENTATIVE MOORE BE ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE HOW BY ACCLIMATION.

>> IS THERE OBJECTION?

HEARING NONE, I DECLARE THE FLOOR CLOSED TO NOMINATIONS.

AS REQUIRED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 6, SECTION 5.

MEMBERS, THE QUESTION BEFORE THE HOUSE IS THE ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE TIM MOORE AS SPEAKER WILL SAY AYE.

THOSE OPPOSED NO.

THE KEYS HAVE IT.

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES CHAIRMAN MOORE DULY ELECTED AS THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2021 BY ACCLIMATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE OATH OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ADMINISTERED TO SPEAKER MOORE BY CHIEF JUSTICE PAUL M. NEWBY, NORTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT.

>> LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE AND RAISING YOUR RIGHT HAND.

DO YOU, TIM MOORE, SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT YOU WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THAT YOU WILL FAIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES THAT MAY BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF AND YOU'LL SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY SO HELP YOU GOD AND DO YOU SWEAR THAT YOU'LL TRULY EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE AS SPEAKER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACCORDING TO THE BEST OF YOUR SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> I DO SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU ALL.

GOOD AFTERNOON!

FOR THOSE THAT ARE RETURNING, THIS IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT TYPE OF OPENING DAY THAN WE NORMALLY HAVE.

NORMALLY WE'RE ABLE TO HAVE OUR FAMILIES WITH US ON THE FLOOR.

THE GALLERIES WILL BE PACKED TO THE GILL AND IT WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MORE OF THE FOLKS THAT PLAY A PART OF OUR LIVES AS MEMBERS WITH US TODAY.

LIKE YOU, I WISH WE COULD HAVE DONE THAT.

OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES WITH COVID DON'T RENDER THAT PRACTICAL.

WE HAVE A LOT OF FAMILY IN THE GALLERY HERE WITH US.

WE HAVE A FEW WE PUT ON THE FLOOR FOR OUR NEW MEMBERS.

I WANT TO PERSONALLY WELCOME YOU HERE TODAY.

A LOT OF FOLKS ARE WATCHING AT HOME RIGHT NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE, OUR SESSIONS ARE BEING LIVE STREAMED AND CAN BE SEEN FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE, ALL CORNERS OF THE STATE AND BEING BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND AS WELL AS ON THE INTERNET.

WE'RE THE MOST TRANSPARENT IN THE HISTORY OF THIS NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

I WANT TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SESSION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE AND THANK YOU TO THE HOUSE MINORITY LEADER.

I APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS AND AGREE WITH THE SENTIMENT AND APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS FROM EVERYONE ON BOTH PARTIES.

YOU KNOW, IT'S A TREMENDOUS HONOR TO ACCEPT THIS NOMINATION TO SERVE AS SPEAKER FOR A FOURTH TIME.

WHEN I RAN IN 2002, I THOUGHT I WOULD SERVE FOR THREE TIMES.

I'VE GONE PAST THAT A LITTLE BIT.

SERVING FOUR TERMS OF SPEAKER IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I INTENDED TO DO BUT IT'S A HONOR AND AN OPPORTUNITY THAT I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE.

TODAY MARKS A NEW BEGINNING FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

I WANT TO BE BRIEF.

I WANT TO MOVE ON WITH THE BUSINESS AT HAND.

RIGHT NOW OUR NATION AND STATE FACE AS LOT OF UNCERTAINTY AND A LOT OF CHALLENGES THAT NO ONE IN OUR LIFETIME HAS HAD TO DEAL WITH.

FOLKS ARE SUFFERING IN A HEALTHCARE CRISIS AND WHAT IS ALSO A ECONOMIC CRISIS.

YOU KNOW, OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY WITH EVERY PERSON HURTING TODAY.

YOU KNOW, THE UNITED STATES AND NORTH CAROLINA HAS TACKLED TOUGH TIMES BEFORE.

WHAT -- ONE THING THAT I KNOW IS THAT OUR STATE AND OUR NATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT SHINING CITY ON A HILL.

IT'S A GUIDE FOR HOW THINGS CAN BE DONE, FOR HOW THINGS SHOULD BE DONE.

ITS BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE AND THE NATION.

I KNOW THAT NORTH CAROLINA IS READY TO LEAD THE WAY FORWARD AS WE EMERGE THROUGH COVID, AS WE MOVE THROUGH A LOT OF THIS OTHER STRIFE THAT WE'VE HAD.

I KNOW THAT ALL OF US AS NORTH CAROLINIANS AND AMERICANS THAT WE HOPE THE BEST FOR EVERYONE.

THOSE THAT ARE WITH US TODAY, THOSE YET TO COME.

WHAT I CAN TELL YOU FOR THOSE THAT ARE WATCHING AND LOOKING TO THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DEAL WITH MANY OF THE PRESSING ISSUES OF THE DAY KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE GOING TO WORK ON ALL OF THESE ISSUES.

WE'RE GOING TO BUILD ON A LOT OF GREAT WORK THAT WE DID THE LAST FEW SESSIONS AND THE LAST SESSION ON THE COVID LEGISLATION.

I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF THE FACT THAT THE LAST COVID LEGISLATION THAT WE PASSED LAST YEAR PASSED ENTIRELY UNANIMOUSLY.

IT HARD TO GET A GROUP OF US TO AGREE ON MUCH OF ANYTHING.

BUT TO PASS SOMETHING THAT SIGNIFICANT UNANIMOUSLY SAYS A LOT.

SHOWS THE POTENTIAL OF THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OF THE STATE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FOLKS OF THIS STATE KNOW THAT NEY CAN COUNT ON THE LEADERSHIP IN THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE COAST, FROM THE CITIES TO THE COUNTRY, REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT, EVERYTHING.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO SEEING NORTH CAROLINA GO FORWARD.

WE KNOW AS LEGISLATORS THAT WE HAVE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE FIRST, FROM FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO DEAL WITH FINANCIAL ISSUES, FROM PARENTS WONDERING WHAT IS GOING TO BECOME OF THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR EDUCATION, THE FACT THAT SO MANY KIDS RIGHT NOW ARE NOT IN SCHOOL.

WHAT DO WE DO TO MAKE SURE THAT NO CHILDREN GET LEFT BEHIND THIS YEAR?

WE HAVE TO HELP FOLKS EVERY DAY THAT ARE CALLING, ASKING FOR HELP.

TO THE NEW MEMBERS, YOU'RE GOING TO LEARN VERY QUICKLY ABOUT THINGS SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS.

EVERYTHING THAT YOU MAY HAVE NEVER DEALT WITH BEFORE.

BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL CALL YOU BECAUSE THEY NEED SOMEONE -- THEY NEED THAT PERSON TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE BUREAUCRACY.

AS MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE, WE'RE THE CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE.

WE'RE THE ONE THAT FOLKS TURN TO WHEN THEY NEED HELP.

WHILE THAT IS A JOB, IT'S A HIGH HONOR.

THOSE THAT ARE NEW WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SOMEONE IN THE STATE IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, I SUBMIT THAT WILL BE THE THINGS THAT YOU LOOK BACK CLOSE WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR TIME IN THE HOUSE.

WE WANT TO LISTEN TO THE TAXPAYERS THAT WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE NOT TAKING TOO MUCH OF THEIR INCOME AND SPENDING IT WISELY.

WE CAN TRUST THE FOLKS IN THE STATE TO KNOW HOW TO MANAGE THEIR AFFAIRS IF WE CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT.

NORTH CAROLINIANS WANT TO PUT PARTISAN POLITICS ASIDE AND BUILD ON STATE GOVERNMENT THAT ATTRACTS SUCCESS, THAT ALLOWS US TO CONTINUE TO DO THE GREAT THINGS THAT WE'RE DOING.

WE'VE DONE THAT.

WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THAT.

WE'VE TURNED A CORNER TOWARDS STRONGER GROWTH.

NORTH CAROLINA WAS JUST ON A SOLID TRAJECTORY UP UNTIL COVID.

IF YOU LOOK AT WHERE STATES ARE IN TERMS OF COVID, WE'VE ACTUALLY WEATHERED IT BETTER THAN MOST STATES.

I TALK WITH A LOT OF MY COLLEAGUES AROUND THE NATION, OTHER SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE THAT ARE STATES DEALING WITH MULTIBILLION DOLLAR DEFICITS BECAUSE THEY SIMPLY HAVE NOT MADE THE TOUGH CHOICES FOR YEARS TO COME.

IN NORTH CAROLINA, WE CAN HOLD OUR HEADS HIGH AND SAY WE'VE MADE THE CHOICES AND WE'RE IN THE SITUATION WHERE OUR STATE IS SOVEREIGN, WE'RE NOT HAVING TO SHUT DOWN, KEEP PROVIDING THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

AT THE SAME TIME DO SO IN A WAY THAT ALLOWS AN OFFICIALLY RUN GOVERNMENT.

WE DEALT WITH THE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS HEAD ON AND PAID DIVIDENDS FOR US TO WEATHER THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES.

WE'RE HAD COVID, HURRICANES AND OTHER CHALLENGES AND NORTH CAROLINA EVERY TIME HAS RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE I I KNOW WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

I KNOW WE'LL CONTINUE TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND EXPANDING RURAL BROAD BAND, BEING COMMITTED TO A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT THAT REPRESENTS JUSTICE FOR ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS.

WE EACH KNOW THAT EACH PERSON IS CREATED EQUAL WITH THE SAME RIGHTS AND IT IS OUR DUTY TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE'S RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED.

THIS BODY, THIS HOUSE CHAMBER IS THE FORUM FOR SPIRITED DEBATE ABOUT FREEDOMS GUARANTEED FOR EVERY NORTH CAROLINIAN.

WE CERTAINLY HAD A SPIRITED ELECTION THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

FROM MANTEO TO MURPHY.

EVERY ONE OF YOU ARE HERE, CAME HERE BECAUSE YOU FOUGHT HARD, YOU CAMPAIGNED HARD AND THE VOTERS OF YOUR DIRECT ELECTED YOU.

YOU HAVE THAT JOB, YOU HAVE THAT HONOR, YOU HAVE THAT RESPONSIBILITY.

EVERYONE IN THIS CHAMBER RESPECTS EACH OTHER FOR THAT.

OUR CITIZENS DESERVE LEADERSHIP THAT FULFILLS THE PREAMBLE, WHICH CALLS "FOR THE BETTER GOVERNMENT OF THIS STATE."

I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR ANSWERING THAT CALL.

I PLEDGE TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH BOTH FOLKS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE COAST TO TRY TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO OUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGES BECAUSE I KNOW SOME OF THE GREATEST IDEAS TO THE DAY'S ISSUES WILL COME FROM THOSE OF YOU SITTING IN THESE SEATS IN THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE TRULY BLESSED TO BE IN A STATE THAT HAS SUCH A RICH CULTURE AND A NATURAL BEAUTY AND IS NOW STRONGER THAN EVER.

IT'S A SPECIAL PLACE LIKE ANY OTHER.

ALL OF US HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE HERE BECAUSE WE KNOW IT'S INDEED THE GREAT ESTATE IN THIS NATION I I WOULD SIMPLY ASK THAT OUR WORK HERE LEAVE THE SAME POSITIVE IMPACT ON THIS LAND THAT IT HAS MADE ON ALL OF US.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS GREAT STATE AND THIS GREAT NATION.

THANK YOU AND NOW LET'S GET TO WORK.

[APPLAUSE] >> PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, PAPERS ADDRESSED TO THE HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE CLERK WILL READ.

>> ELECTION PROTEST FORM.

SUBMITTED BY KIM COLEY, APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF ELECTION DISMISSING PROTESTS FILED BY KIM CROWLEY.

>> THE HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK HAS RECEIVED PAPERS TO REPORTING A CONTESTED ELECTION.

IT'S THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THIS FILING IS FATALLY FLAWED BECAUSE IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH GENERAL STATUE SECTION 120-3 AND SECTION 120-10.5.

I ASKED THE CHAMBER TO DISMISS AND HAVE IT PLACED ON FILE.

IS THERE OBJECTION?

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS IS THE ADOPTION OF TEMPORARY RULES FOR THE HOUSE.

REPRESENTATIVE HALL IS RECOGNIZED.

>> I PLACE AT RESOLUTION WITH THE CLERK.

>> THE CLERK WILL FILE A RESOLUTION AND ASSIGN A NUMBER.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NUMBER, THE CLERK WILL READ.

>> REPRESENTATIVE DUSTIN HALL, HOUSE RESOLUTION ONE, ADOPTING TEMPORARY RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 2021 REGULAR SESSION.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

>> REPRESENTATIVE HALL IS RECOGNIZED TO DEBATE THE RESOLUTION.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS, I WANT TO PRESENT THE HOUSE TEMPORARY RULES WITH A THANK YOU TO OUR CENTRAL STAFF WHO SPENT A LOT OF TIME OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND ESPECIALLY THE PAST FEW DAYS TRYING TO GET THESE TEMPORARY RULES TOGETHER THAT YOU SEE BEFORE YOU TODAY.

DURING THE UNCHARTERED TIMES THAT COVID-19 HAS PRESENTED US WITH, I APPRECIATE THEIR WORK THAT GOES INTO THE RULES AND SUCH A MANNER THAT ALLOW US TO CONDUCT THE BUSINESS OF OUR STATE WHILE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE LIMITATIONS CAUSED BY THIS GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

AS FOR THE RULES THEMSELVES, MOST OF THEM AS IS CUSTOMARY OF WHAT WE HAD IN LAST SESSION.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THESE RULES IS 58.1, WHICH DEALS WITH AN EMERGENCY SESSION.

OF COURSE, WE DIDN'T HAVE SUCH A RULE IN THE LAST SET OF RULES IN THE LAST BIENNIUM.

THIS SECTION WILL DEAL WITH THAT AND ALLOW US TO GET OUR STATE'S BUSINESS DONE WHILE HOPEFULLY TRYING TO KEEP ALL OF US IN THIS BODY AS SAFE AS WE POSSIBLY CAN BE.

AS FOR DATES, I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW OF THE IMPORTANT DATES REAL QUICK.

CROSSOVER WILL BE MAY 13 IN THESE.

BILLS THAT ARE NONFINANCED OR NONAPPROPRIATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 24 AND INTRODUCED BY APRIL 20th.

BILLS THAT ARE FINANCED IN APPROPRIATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 31 AND INTRODUCED BY APRIL 27.

MEMBERS, I'LL CLOSE BY REMINDING EVERYONE THAT TODAY IS CELEBRATION, OUR FAMILIES ARE HERE.

THESE RULES ARE TEMPORARY.

MY COMMITMENT TO THE BODY IS TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE MINORITY LEADER AND ALL MEMBERS OF THIS BODY TO COME TO AT LEAST AS MUCH CONSENSUS AS WE CAN ON A PERMANENT SET OF RULES.

IN FACT, LEADER REIVES AND I HAVE A MEETING LATER ON TODAY TO TALK ABOUT A SET OF PERMANENT RULES.

MEMBERS, I ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THESE HOUSE TEMPORARY RULES.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE THE GENTLEMAN FROM CHATHAM?

REPRESENTATIVE REIVES.

>> TO DEBATE THE RULES.

>> MEETING?

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

I WAS JOKING.

ALL RIGHT.

I WOULD SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. RULES CHAIR.

HE'S WORKED TIRELESSLY.

WHEN I SAY FIX, TO TRY TO COME TO A COMPROMISE ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE MAY DISAGREE WITH, SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT WE MAY HAVE THE RULES ARE THE SAME ISSUES LAST BIENNIUM.

I WOULD SAY THE CHAIRMAN HAS GONE THROUGH A YEOMAN'S EFFORT TO MEET US HALFWAY.

WE'LL MEET AGAIN TODAY.

WE HAD A CHANCE TO MEET THIS MORNING, HAD A CHANCE TO TALK LAST NIGHT.

SO I THINK THERE'S BEEN SOME EFFORTS AND WOULD REMIND THE BODY THESE ARE TEMPORARY RULES AND WE'RE TRYING TO DO WHAT WE CAN.

OBVIOUSLY WE STILL WANT TO ADDRESS COVID PROTOCOLS AND TRANSPARENCY.

THAT IS A FINE BALANCE TO FIGURE OUT.

I COMMEND THE RULES CHAIR FOR THE EFFORTS AND MR. SPEAKER FOR THE EFFORTS THAT YOU MADE TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO STRIKE THAT BALANCE.

WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> FURTHER DISCUSSION, FURTHER DEBATE?

IF NOT THE QUESTION FOR THE HOUSE IS THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 1.

THOSE ANY FAVOR SAY AYES HAVE IT.

THE RESOLUTION IS ORDERED ADOPTED AND PRINTED.

THE NEXT ITEM OF BUSINESS IS THE ELECTION OF A SPEAKER PRO PRO TEMPORE.

I NOW DECLARE THE HOUSE OPEN.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

I RISE TO REPLACE THE NAME OF SARAH STEPHENS FOR SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE.

>> >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

MEMBERS I STAND BEFORE YOU TO REPRESENT NOMINATE SARAH STEPHENS.

SHE'S SERVED AS SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE FOR THE TWO TERMS.

SHE'S WORK IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER TO REPRESENT OUR STATE.

I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME IN SUPPORTING HER NAME NATION.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE THE GENTLEMEN OF LINCOLN RISE?

>> I RISE TO SECOND SARAH STEPHENS.

>> THE GENTLEMAN IS AUTHORIZED TO APPROACH THE WELL OF THE HOUSE AND SPEAK TO THE SECOND OF THE NOMINATION.

>> MR. SPEAKER, FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE, I'M HONORED TO SECOND THE NOMINATION OF MY FRIEND, SARAH STEPHENS WHO HAS ALWAYS SERVED HER CONSTITUENTS IN THIS BODY WELL.

WHILE UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, I WOULD EXPAND ON THE ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE STEPHENS.

TODAY WE MUST MAKE HASTE.

I WILL CONCLUDE WITH A MESSAGE TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF BOTH PARTIES THAT MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW REPRESENTATIVE STEPHENS.

SHE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AND MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU CAN HAVE NO BETTER FRIEND THAN SARAH.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

>> ARE THERE FURTHER NOMINATIONS?

SEEING NONE, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALDWELL, REPRESENTATIVE HALL, RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

>> I MOVE THAT NOMINATIONS BE CLOSED AND SARAH STEPHENS BE RECOMMENDED BY ACCLIMATION.

IS THERE OBJECTION?

>> HEARING NONE, I DECLARE THE FLOOR CLOSED.

THE QUESTION BEFORE THE HOUSE IS THE ELECTION OF A SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF SARAH STEPHENS WILL SAY AYE.

THOSE OPPOSED NO.

THE AYES HAVE IT AND THE CHAIR DECLARES REPRESENTATIVE STEPHEN IS SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE BY ACCLIMATION.

MADAM SPEAKER PRO TEM, PLEASE APPROACH THE WELL OF THE HOUSE.

[APPLAUSE] >> PLACING YOUR LIFT HAND ON THE BIBLE, RISING YOUR RIGHT HARD.

DO YOU SARAH STEVENS PROMISE TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE TREE ALLEGIANCE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF AND ENDEAVOR SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE, NOT INCONSIST TINT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY SO HELP YOU GOD?

AND DO YOU SQUARE THAT YOU WILL WELL AND TRULY EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE AS SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACCORDING TO THE BEST OF YOUR SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> I DO SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE LADY HAS THE FLOOR.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

THANK YOU, MEMBERS, FOR YOUR SUPPORT AGAIN THIS YEAR.

I HAVE BE HONORED TO DO THIS FOR THE LAST TWO TERMS, AND I HAVE USED IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOME VERY WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE.

AND IT HAS BEEN AMAZING.

ONE OF MY BIGGEST CONTROVERSIES IN TERMS OF TAKING MY OPENING DAY SPEECH IS TO TALK ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE MEMBERS HERE YOU DIDN'T OTHERWISE KNOW.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT MISSED THAT COMMENT, WE KNOW THAT ONE FORMER MEMBER OF OUR BODY THAT IS NOW A STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL HAS SIX-PACK ABS.

I DID NOT WARN HIM I WOULD MAKE THAT STATEMENT BUT I MADE IT.

NOW, WHAT THAT DID IS BRING ME ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE.

A MEMBER OVER THERE THAT I CAN EVEN CALL HIM OUT.

HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS GOING TO ALSO HAVE SIX-PACK ABS AND PROVIDE ME PROOF BY CHRISTMAS.

13 MONTHS AGO, ZACH HAWKINS PROMISED ME PICTURES OF SIX-PACK ABS.

I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE THEM.

SO WE'RE GOING TO SEE IF ZACH CAN FULFILL HIS PROMISES.

I'LL BE BRIEF.

IT HAS BEEN SUCH AN HONOR TO BE THE SPEAKER PRO TEM.

IT'S GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THE FRESHMEN.

I INVITE THE FRESHMEN ON THE DEMOCRAT SIDE AS WELL TO HELP YOU GET ACCLIMATED TO BECOME THE BEST PERSON THAT YOU CAN BE.

AS I THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT I WOULD SAY BECAUSE I WANT TO BE BRIEF HERE, I THINK ABOUT THE ADVICE I GAVE MY CHILDREN AS THEY WERE GROWING UP.

IT DOESN'T COST ANYTHING TO BE NICE.

TO BE KIND.

TO LISTEN TO OTHERS.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH WHAT THEY SAY.

IT'S OKAY TO LISTEN.

THE COMMENT THAT YOU CAN MAKE IN THE END WHEN YOU'RE THROUGH LISTENING IS AND WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE.

I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER.

THAT WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE TONIGHT HAVE TO LISTEN.

SO I'M HOPING THAT WE ARE BASED ON THE TONE OF TODAY HAVING A KINDER, GENTLER GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

WE'RE SO MUCH MORE ALIKE THAN WE ARE DIFFERENT.

WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT.

SO THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE NEXT ITEM OF BUSINESS IS THE ELECTION OF A PRINCIPAL CLERK.

I DECLARE THE FLOOR OPEN TO NOMINATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN RISE?

>> I RECOMMEND JAMES WHITE FOR HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK.

>> THE NOMINATIONS BEFORE THE BODY.

THE MEMBER HAS THE FLOOR AND MAY PROCEED.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS, I PROUDLY STAND BEFORE YOU TO NOMINATE MR. JAMES WHITE TO CONTINUE SERVING AS OUR HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK.

MR. WHITE HAS WORKED IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER TO MAKE SURE THE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES ARE HANDLED.

I ASK THAT YOU JOIN ME AND SUPPORTING HIS NOMINATION.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN CHATHAM MR. REIVES RISE?

>> I SECOND THE NOMINATION.

>> THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED TO SPEAK TO THE SECOND OF THE NOMINATION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER.

I WOULD SAY THE SAME THAT MR. WHITE HAS GONE THROUGH ALL KINDS OF EFFORTS TO MAKE SURE THAT HE SUPPORTS EVERY MEMBER OF THIS BODY EQUALLY WITHOUT FAVOR.

WE APPRECIATED THAT THE ENTIRE TIME AND WE APPRECIATE THE PROFESSIONALISM AND THE ABILITY TO FOLLOW AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND WITH DENISE WEEKS AND STILL DO A GREAT JOB.

SO THANK YOU AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR VOTE BEING ELECTED.

>> ARE THERE FURTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALDWELL REPRESENTATIVE HALL IS RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

>> MR. SPEAKER, I MOVE THAT THE NOMINATIONS BE CLOSED AND JAMES WHITE BE ELECTED PRINCIPAL CLERK BY ACCLIMATION.

>> IS THERE OBJECTION?

>> HEARING NONE, I DECLARE THE FLOOR CLOSED TO FURTHER NOMINATIONS.

THE QUESTION BEFORE THE HOUSE IS THE ELECTION OF JAMES WHITE AS PRINCIPAL CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THOSE IN FAVOR AYE.

THOSE OPPOSED NO.

THE AYES HAVE IT.

JAMES WHITE IS DECLARED CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY ACCLIMATION.

PLEASE APPROACH THE DAIS.

[APPLAUSE] >> PURSUANT TO GENERAL STATUE 120,5, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATHS FOR ALL OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE.

MEMBERS OF THE CLERK DECIDED TO FORE GO REMARKS BUT ASKED THE CHAIR TO CONVEY TO THE BODY THAT HIS SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR THE HONOR TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE BODY.

AT THIS TIME WE ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE.

PLACE YOUR LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE.

DO YOU JAMES WHITE SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY SWEAR THAT YOU WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THAT YOU WILL BE FAITHFUL AND BEAR TRUE ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES WHICH ARE OR MAY BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF AND THAT YOU'LL ENDEAVOR TO SUPPORT, MAINTAIN AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY SO HELP YOU GOD AND THAT YOU WILL WELL AND TRULY EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF PRINCIPAL CLERK OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BEST OF YOUR SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAWS SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> I DO SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] ED.

>> THE NEXT ITEM OF BUSINESS IS APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS.

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RULE 45, THE SPEAKER APPOINTS LARRY ELLIOT TO SERVE AS SERGEANT OF ARMS OF THE 2021 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

PLEASE APPROACH THE DAIS.

IF YOU'D PLACE YOUR LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE.

DO YOU LARRY ELLIOT SWEAR THAT YOU WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THAT YOU'LL BE FAITHFUL AND BEAR TRUE ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF NORTH NORTH AND TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES THAT MAY BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF AND THAT YOU WILL ENDEAVOR TO SUPPORT, MAINTAIN AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES SO HELP YOU GOD AND DO YOU SQUARE THAT YOU WILL EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF SERGEANT OF ARMS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACCORDING TO THE BEST OF YOUR SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> PURSUANT TO HOUSE RULE 45, THE SPEAKER APPOINT REGGIE SEALS TO SERVING A THE READING CLERK FOR THE 2021 SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

CONGRATULATIONS, MR.

SEALS.

[APPLAUSE] >> I DO WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT.

I MENTIONED OUR GUESTS TODAY.

I WOULD LIKE TO FORMALLY EXTEND THE COURTESIES OF THE GALLERY AND THE FLOOR FOR THE FAMILY MEMBERS THAT ARE HERE WITH US TODAY OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

I WOULD ASK THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS TO PLEASE STAND AND I WOULD ASK ALL OF US TO GIVE THEM THE PROPER APPLAUSE AND THANKS THAT THEY NEED AS WELL.

IF YOU'RE A FAMILY MEMBER, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN WELCOME YOU.

[APPLAUSE] GENTLEMAN FROM WAYNE, MR. BELL, IS RECOGNIZED FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

I STAND BEFORE YOU TO RECOGNIZE THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS LEADERSHIP AND THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS STANDS READY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THE CAUCUS LEADERSHIP.

MAJORITY LEADER, JOHN BELL.

BRENDA JONES.

REPRESENTATIVE WHIP, JOHN HARVESTER.

CONFERENCE CHAIR, REPRESENTATIVE JOHN SZOKA, DEPUTY CONFERENCE CHAIRS INCLUDE JASON SAIN, TOM MOFFETT AND REPRESENTATIVE WINSLOW.

LIAISON PAT HURLEY.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

>> NOTED.

>> THE GENTLEMAN FROM CHATHAM, REPRESENTATIVE REIVES IS RECOGNIZED FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE ELECTED LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS STARTING WITH YOUR TRULY AS MINORITY LEADER AND THEN GAIL ADCOCK DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER.

SUSAN FISHER, HOUSE WHIP.

RAYMOND SWIFT HOUSE WHIP AND CO-CHAIRS ALSTON AND BROWN.

>> NOTED.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MEMBERS OF THE CHAIRS ABOUT TO ANNOUNCE SEVERAL COMMITTEE CHAIR APPOINTMENTS.

FULL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND VICE CHAIRS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON A LATER DATE.

GIVEN SOME OF THE PRESSING BUSINESS THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS TO ACT UPON ALWAYS WE COME BACK AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, I WANTED TO MAKE SOME OF THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE CHAIRS OF THE COMMITTEES AND SO AT THIS TIME GOING TO ASK THE CLERK TO READ THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEE CHAIRS.

>> AGRICULTURE, REPRESENTATIVE DIXON, SENIOR CHAIR.

>> COULD YOU SUSPEND JUST A MOMENT.

I APOLOGIZE.

I NEED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2021 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOW BEING ORGANIZED AND READY TO PROCEED WITH PUBLIC BUS.

THE CHAIR ORDERED A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THE SENATE.

NOW AT THIS TIME THE GENTLEMAN WOULD PLEASE READ THE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS.

>> AGRICULTURE REPRESENTATIVE DIXON, SENIOR CHAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE McNEILLY.

ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGE ALCOHOL, REPRESENTATIVE MOFFETT.

APPROAPRIATIONS APPROPRIATIONS, REPRESENTATIVE LAMBERT LAMBERT, SENIOR CHAIR, REPRESENTATIVE BRISSON, REPRESENTATIVE BUM GARDNER, REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH, REPRESENTATIVE HALL, REPRESENTATIVE STRICKLAND.

APPROPRIATIONS REPRESENTATIVE DIXON, SENIOR YEAR.

REPRESENTATIVE GOODWIN, REPRESENTATIVE McELRATH.

APPROPRIATION CAPITOL, REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS, APPROPRIATIONS EDUCATION, REPRESENTATIVE HARDESTER, REPRESENTATIVE HURLEY.

APPROPRIATIONS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, REPRESENTATIVE POTS, REPRESENTATIVE SASSER, REPRESENTATIVE WHITE, REPRESENTATIVE BAKER.

APPROPRIATIONS I.T., REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON.

APPROPRIATIONS JPS, REPRESENTATIVE BOLES SENIOR CHAIR, REPRESENTATIVE McNEILL, REPRESENTATIVE SMITH.

APPROPRIATIONS TRANSPORTATION, REPRESENTATIVE JONES, SENIOR CHAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE ILER, REPRESENTATIVE SHEPARD.

BANKING, REPRESENTATIVE KIDWELL.

COMMERCE, REPRESENTATIVE SAULS.

EDUCATION OF COMMUNITY EDGE WHICHES, REPRESENTATIVE HURLEY.

EDUCATION K-12, REPRESENTATIVE TOLBERT.

EDUCATION UNIVERSITY, REPRESENTATIVE HARDESTER.

REPRESENTATIVE CAMPAIGN MACHINES, REPRESENTATIVE MILLS.

ENVIRONMENT, REPRESENTATIVE McELRATH, REPRESENTATIVE YARBOROUGH.

ETHICS, REPRESENTATIVE SAULS, REPRESENTATIVE WRAY.

FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND AGING POLICY, REPRESENTATIVE CARTER, REPRESENTATIVE HUNTER.

FEDERAL RELATIONS AND AMERICAN INDEPENDENCIAN AFFAIRS, REPRESENTATIVE CLAMPITT, REPRESENTATIVE GRAHAM.

FINANCE, REPRESENTATIVE HOWARD, SENIOR CHAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE SETZER, SENIOR CHAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE BRADFORD, SENIOR CHAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE KIDWELL, REPRESENTATIVE WRAY.

HEALTH, REPRESENTATIVE LAMBERT, REPRESENTATIVE POTS, REPRESENTATIVE SASSER, REPRESENTATIVE WHITE.

REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTIAN BAKER.

HOMELAND SECURITY, MILITARY AND VETERAN AFFAIRS, REPRESENTATIVE GOODWIN.

INSURANCE, REPRESENTATIVE HURLEY.

JUDICIARY 1, REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS.

JUDICIARY 2, REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS.

JUDICIARY 3, REPRESENTATIVE ZACHARY AND ROGERS.

JUDICIARY 4, RICH BLACKWELL.

LAND USE, REPRESENTATIVE BRODY.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REPRESENTATIVE HANIG, WATTFORD.

MARINE RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE, REPRESENTATIVE HANIG.

PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT, REPRESENTATIVE McNEILL.

REDISTRICTING, REPRESENTATIVE HALL.

REGULATORY REFORM, REPRESENTATIVE RYDELL.

RULES, REPRESENTATIVE HALL.

STATE GOVERNMENT, REPRESENTATIVE TOLBERT.

STATE PERSONNEL, REPRESENTATIVE WARREN.

TRANSPORTATION, REPRESENTATIVE JONES, REPRESENTATIVE ILER, REPRESENTATIVE SHEPARD.

UNC NOMINATIONS, REPRESENTATIVE HASTINGS.

WILDLIFE RESOURCES, REPRESENTATIVE ADAMS AND YARBOROUGH.

>> MEMBERS THIS YEAR, AS APPROACHING TO RECEIVE THE GAVEL, THOSE ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED BY OUR STAFF AT THIS TIME IN ORDER TO TRY TO MAINTAIN THE DISTANCING.

PER USUAL, THE HOUSE IS WAITING ON THE SENATE.

SO WE WILL BE RECEIVING A MESSAGE MOMENTARILY.

I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING.

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SCOTT APPEAR FOR US?

>> MOMENT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

>> AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

WE HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION THIS MORNING THAT WE HAD.

ONE OF THE -- ANOTHER OUTSTANDING CAUCUS IN OUR GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS.

WE WERE DELIGHTED TO ELECT -- EXCUSE ME.

KELLY ALEXANDER AS OUR NEW PRESIDENT.

WE LOOK FORWARD WITH WORKING HIM ON THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE MINORITY COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

THANK YOU.

IF YOU WOULD GIVE HIM THE PRIVILEGE TO ANNOUNCE THE OTHER FOLKS IN THE HOUSE THAT ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS ELECTED THIS MORNING.

>> THANK YOU.

GENTLEMAN FROM CATAWBA, REPRESENTATIVE ADAMS RECOGNIZED TO SPEAK ON POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1944, 1:00 P.M., MY FATHER JAMES ADAMS WAS A BOMBARDIER NAVIGATOR ON A MISSION TO BOMB AN AIR FIELD NEAR ROME, ITALY.

HE WAS RELEASING THE BOMBS.

HIS LEFT HAND RESTED ON THE LEVER THAT CONTROLLED THE BOMBAY DOORS.

AS HE MOVED TO CLOSE THE DOORS, THE PLANE GAVE A VIOLENT SHUTTER.

HE CHECKED HIS WATCH.

IT WAS 1:00.

THE PLANE WAS CRIPPLED BUT AIR WORTHY.

TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FOR GERMAN AIR FIGHTERS TO OVERTAKE THEM.

DAD BAILED OUT AND IMMEDIATELY CAPTURED.

HE SPENT 16 MONTHS IN CAPTIVITY IN NORTHERN GERMANY ABOUT A MILE FROM THE BALTIC SEA.

I GREW UP WITH A FATHER THAT SUFFERED FROM PTSD.

IT WAS UNTREATED.

WE THOUGHT IT WAS FROM PRISON CAMP EXPERIENCE.

IT WASN'T.

IN MAY 1972 WHEN I GRADUATED FROM THE CITADEL, MY FATHER SAID SON, YOU KNOW THOSE 16 MONTHS THAT I SPENT IN A JUNIOR MAN PRISON CAMP AND AWAY?

THEY WERE SOME OF THE BEST MONTHS OF MY LIFE.

I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF THAT.

SO YOU MEAN WHEN IT'S OVER?

HE REPLIED.

THAT'S PART OF IT.

YOU'LL FIGURE IT OUT AND WALKED TO HIS CAR.

TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT HE MEANT.

AS YEARS PASSED, DAD STARTED TO HAVE REUNIONS WITH HIS POW BUDDIES.

THE MEETINGS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER.

SIMULTANEOUSLY I WAS ATTENDING REUNIONS WITH MY CITADEL BUDDIES.

I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HE SAID.

THE UNCERTAINTY, THE STRESS, THE FEAR OF FAILURE, THE TOTALITY OF SPIRITS CRUSHED THE SPIRITS OF SOME BUT THOSE THAT KEPT THEIR FAITH AND DETERMINATION CAME THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE WITH BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP THAT ARE TRULY UNIQUE.

I SUBMIT TO YOU THE EXPERIENCE OF WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE, WHILE NOT AS THREATENING AS THOSE EXPERIENCES OR SIMILAR, WE FACE CHALLENGES TOGETHER.WE FACE UNCERTAINTY.

WE MAKE PROMISES THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP.

WE SACRIFICE TIME WITH OUR FAMILIES, WE MAY DISAGREE INTENSELY ON HOW WE PROCEED.

WE BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING DECISIONS THAT AFFECT TEN MILLION PEOPLE.

WE BEAR IT TOGETHER.

BUT IN THE END, WHEN WE HAVE LEFT THIS POLITICAL REALM, WE WILL BE BOUND BY OUR EXPERIENCES IN A WAY THAT ONLY WE FULLY APPRECIATE.

MY FATHER ALWAYS SAID, IT WAS THE 13th HOUR OF THE 13th DAY OF THE 13th MONTH.

I'M JUST GLAD IT WAS THURSDAY.

DAD NEVER LOST HIS SENSE OF HUMOR.

HE LOST HIS FREEDOM AND HIS FREEDOM WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HIS LIFE.

MY FATHER NEVER LOST HIS SPIRIT.

HE WAS A CAPTIVE BUT NEVER A VICTIM.

ARTIFACTS FROM THE PAST ARE IMPORTANT.

THIS BIBLE THAT I HOLD, THIS NEW TESTAMENT, HAS AN INSCRIPTION.

IT WAS SENT TO MY FATHER FROM HIS SISTER.

HE RECEIVED IT ON JANUARY 10, 1944.

JUST IN TIME FOR THAT LAST FLIGHT IN THE ORDEAL THAT HE FACED.

HE RETURNED HOME TO HIS PARENTS ON JULY 5, 1945.

HIS 25th BIRTHDAY.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> MEMBERS, WE ALSO HAVE A NUMBER OF YOU -- I THINK THE STAFF WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ALL OF THE GAVELS DISTRIBUTED.

REGGIE WENT FAST FOR THEM THERE.

SO THERE WILL BE THOSE THERE AND ALSO A RELEASE OF ALL OF THOSE COMMITTEES AND THE CHAIRMANSHIPS AFTER SESSION.

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES REPRESENTATIVE LEE RISE?

>> POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

>> GENTLEMAN HAS THE FLOOR.

>> I WANT TO THANK EVERY ONE THAT REACHED OUT TO ME DURING THE PASSING OF MY BROTHER.

THE CARDS AND E-MAILS AND HE'S GOING TO BE SORELY MISSED.

SO I JUST WANT YOU TO KEEP HIS TWO SONS, THEY LOST THEIR MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS 52, 17 YEARS AGO.

NOW THEY HAVE LOST HER FATHER.

SO I WOULD ASK THAT YOU REMEMBER JAY AND DANIEL IN YOUR PRAYERS.

THANK YOU.

>> FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM MECKLENBURG RISE?

MR. ALEXANDER.

>> POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

>> GENTLEMAN HAS THE FLOOR.

>> SIMPLY WANTED TO SHARE THE MEMBERS, THE OFFICERS THAT WERE ELECTED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS, FIRST VICE CHAIR, SENATOR GLADYS ROBINSON.

SECOND VICE CHAIR, REPRESENTATIVE JAMES GAILLIARD.

SECOND VICE CHART, NATALIE MURDOCK.

TREASURER REPRESENTATIVE KANDIE SMITH.

PARLIAMENTARIAN, REPRESENTATIVE SMITH.

CHAPLAIN, AMOS QUICK.

SERGEANT AT ARMS, SENATOR MOHAMMED.

>> IF YOU WOULD, REPRESENTATIVE ALEXANDER, TURN THAT INFORMATION IN TO THE CLERK.

RECEIVE THAT, PLEASE.

THANK YOU.

PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, PAPERS ADDRESSED TO THE HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE CLERK WILL READ.

>> A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING ORANGE COUNTY'S SUPPORT FOR REPARATION FOR BLACK AFRICAN AMERICANS.

>> NOTED.

>> MEMBERS, CHAIR IS ABOUT TO PUT THE HOUSE AT EASE.

WE'RE AWAITING RESOLUTION FROM THE SENATE THAT WILL NEED TO BE ADOPTED BEFORE WE CAN CONCLUDE OUR BUSINESS TODAY.

SO RULES CHAIR IS CHECKING TO SEE WHAT THE SCHEDULE IS.

BEFORE WE GO INTO AT EASE, THE CHAIR WILL ASK ARE THERE ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL NOTICES OR ANNOUNCEMENTS?

WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN GOODWIN RISE?

>> I RISE TODAY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER.

SHE'S STILL ALIVE.

SHE WAS 96 ON MONDAY.

JANUARY 11th.

THANK GOD THAT I'M SO FORTUNATE THAT I STILL HAVE MY MOTHER.

[APPLAUSE] >> FOR WHAT PURPOSE, THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM PITT RISE?

>> POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

>> MEMBERS HAS THE FLOOR.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INCORPORATED.

WE HAVE MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVE EVELYN TERRY AND MYSELF IN THE HOUSE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] [SILENCE] >> MEMBERS, THE CHAIR WILL DECLARE THE HOUSE SHALL STAND AT EASE.

[BANGS GAVEL] [STATELY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] ♪