like so many other local election workers in 2020 he was harassed and threatened as he did his job faithfully. he did not bend. he did not bow. he did not yield to the political threats and pressure. he he s so trusted by both political parties that the new democratic governor of pennsylvania, josh shapiro appointed him as pennsylvania s secretary of state, a republican to ensure that the integrity of the election. that s a high compliment. [ applause ] his character and his commitments speak volumes. we the people. that s what we also see in mr. benson. twice elected secretary of state to save the right to vote and have that vote counted fairly. that s what she did in 2020, when she oversaw a record number of michiganders turn out in that election only to find an armed mob an armed mob outside of her home on christmas eve and she and her son were decorating their christmas tree inside, but she refused to back down. she had done her duty. she had kept her oath full of integ
applause again to today s resip y recipients of the presidential citizens medal who performed exemplary deeds. on this day in 1941, president franklin roosevelt delivered a state of the union address that became known as his famous for freedom speech as he defined america s place in the world, reminded the american people of, quote, the strength from the things which have been done to make his people conscious of their individual stake in the preservation of democratic life in america. things that have toughened the fi fine fiber of our people, renewed their faith, and strengthened the devotions of the institutions we protect. on this day two years ago, we