California congressman praises Beyoncé during speech on the House floor

California Rep. Robert Garcia instantly became a fan of Beyoncé when he saw her perform with her former group Destiny’s Child. The newly elected member of Congress is such a “huge fan” that he decided to honor her Wednesday on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month by honoring an individual who represents both so well,” Garcia said. “She’s an icon, a legend, and she is now and forever the moment. I want to celebrate none other than who I believe is the queen of pop and R&B: Beyoncé Knowles Carter.”

The congressman noted Bey’s 32 Grammy wins, which make her the most awarded artist in Recording Academy history. He added that she’s more than a performer and singer, but also a creator, artist and a role model.

“She’s stood up for voting rights, for feminism, for women and girls, for my community — the LGBTQ+ community,” Garcia said. “For my generation and others, she simply is the greatest of all time. Her story is history.”

Garcia, a Peruvian U.S. citizen, was the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor of Long Beach, as well as the youngest and first Latino to hold the office, from 2014 to 2022. He was elected to Congress in November’s election, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ immigrant and the second openly LGBTQ+ Latino elected to Congress.

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