Lori Falce: Lessons from the first Speaker of the House

Oct. 5—The first Speaker of the House of Representatives was the son of a German immigrant.

Frederick Muhlenberg was born in what would later become Montgomery County. He was a theologian and statesman. He served as speaker of the Continental Congress in 1780. He signed the Bill of Rights.

And in 1789, he became the inaugural holder of the gavel in the House. He served two non-consecutive terms, making him the first and third speaker, and represented the Keystone State for eight years.

What would Frederick Muhlenberg think of the House of Representatives today?

The 118th United States Congress opened on Jan. 3. In 10 months and two days, it has been eventful if not necessarily productive.

It started with the longest election process for a speaker in 163 years. It took 15 ballots and three days to elect U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and it only happened after horse-trading with holdouts who didn't really want him holding the reins. Among the concessions was a poison pill that allowed a vacancy vote to be called by a single member.

That happened Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., filed the motion. It passed 216-210 with eight Republicans being the decision-makers. McCarthy became Muhlenberg's bookend — the first speaker to be removed from his leadership post.

The question now is where the House goes from here.

It can continue on the 118th Congress' path of infighting. It can continue to place partisanship and very bad chess playing over the absolutely vital work that needs to be done. Or the members can go back and read the Constitution — the one Muhlenberg worked on and presided over.

There are no parties mentioned in our ruling document. It mentions the branches of government. It spells out our rights and the complicated balancing act that keeps powers in check.

But not once does it talk about alliances and gamesmanship. Not once does the Constitution talk about brokering deals in back rooms. It's a document about governing, not winning — and it's past time people remembered that proper responsible government has no score.

In 1801, shortly before his death, Muhlenberg wrote to President Thomas Jefferson about becoming a revenue collector in Philadelphia.

"...I shall, if appointed, endeavour [sic] to the utmost of my Abilites [sic], to perform the Duties of the Station with Industry fidelity & Accuracy, and that nothing will ever alter or diminish that cordial Attachment & high Respect with which I have the Honor to be," he wrote.

Let's hope the next speaker can be a new Muhlenberg and drag the 118th Congress back to its basics.

Lori Falce is a Tribune-Review community engagement editor. You can contact Lori at lfalce@triblive.com.