Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this rule and to the underlying bills. At its core, this Republican reconciliation budget bill is a statement about priorities, and the priorities reflected in this bill could not be more out of step with the needs and values of the American people. Families across this country are struggling to afford housing, groceries, childcare, and healthcare. Americans are dealing with rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the consequences of another unending war in the Middle East.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+31Stable$581K raised
Mary Gay Scanlon
Representative · Pennsylvania · Democrat
Mary Gay Scanlon
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, as I think we can all tell from the ensuing debate here, there are serious issues that this body needs to be wrestling with, but the Speaker has chosen to put on the floor this week H.R. 139, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. I think there is one thing everyone in this Chamber can agree on: Americans do not like changing their clocks twice a year. The big question isn't whether we should ditch the switch; it is how.
Mr. Speaker, underneath all the rhetoric we have heard today, this debate comes down to a very simple question about what kind of country we want to be and what we believe government should do for the people it serves. As Americans struggle with rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the consequences of this reckless and expensive war in Iran, Republicans have chosen to spend nearly $210 billion in taxpayer dollars on ICE and CBP.
Biography
Mary Gay Scanlon, a former civil rights attorney, represents Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, first elected in 2018. Drawing on her legal background, she prioritizes strengthening voting rights, improving access to affordable healthcare, and advancing educational equity. Scanlon has authored legislation expanding legal aid for underserved communities and serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. Known for her collaborative approach, she works to address her district’s needs through pragmatic solutions and a commitment to justice.
Education
- J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, Philadelphia, PA1984
- B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY1980
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2019–PresentRepresented Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district for 4 terms.
U.S. Representative
2018–2019Represented Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district for 1 term.
Member, Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board
2007–15(president, 2009–11)
Vice Chair, Wallingford-Swarthmore Tax Commission
2006–07Attorney, Education Law Center
Pro Bono Counsel, Ballard Spahr, Llp
Administration Chair, Communications Standard Commission
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement19%
Congress19%
Government Operations and Politics16%
Education11%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Mary Gay Scanlon's record in Congress.
Gun Violence Prevention
Co-sponsored and helped pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act to expand background checks on gun sales.
Child Nutrition Funding
Secured increased funding for school meal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic through the American Rescue Plan.
Legal Aid Expansion
Advocated for and secured increased federal funding for the Legal Services Corporation to improve access to legal aid.
Election Security
Supported the For the People Act to strengthen voting rights and improve election security measures.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Rules
- House Committee on the Judiciary
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon FAQ
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