Analysis · Speech on a bill · beta

James R. Walkinshaw

Democrat on Improving Travel for American Families Act 2026-07-13

143 words · 11 sentences · 12 clauses

Statement grade

A–

Average 85 / 100

A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.

Procedure 21%Claims 76%Anecdote 3%

This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 9 wordsI yield myself such time as I may consume.Procedure Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 14 wordsI rise in support of H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act.Procedure Claims · 27 wordsEvery day, thousands of families across our Nation take to the skies, many of them with small children who are not always the easiest of travel companions. Anecdote · 5 wordsI can attest to that.Anecdote Claims · 81 wordsAny parent knows that long lines at checkpoints can make a long day of travel even worse for a kid.Unearned certainty That is why since last year, the TSA has started pilot programs at select airports with special lines reserved for families which help decrease wait times while keeping screening efficient for other travelers, ¹as well. H.R. 8897 would codify the ongoing pilot program and ensure appropriate security protocols are upheld.² The bill would help advance this initiative to help traveling families. Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 7 wordsI reserve the balance of my time.Procedure

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 75

5 of 6 deductions are Signal

Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I yield myself such time as I may consume.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I rise in support of H.R.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I can attest to that.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I reserve the balance of my time.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 100

0 of 6 deductions are Relevance

Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue. Measured against the bill under debate.

Nothing lost points.

Respect · no score

Not checked: graded before this measurement existed. Excluded from the average.

Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.

Clarity · 81

1 of 6 deductions are Clarity

Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.

Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “Any parent knows”The claim is backed by an appeal to universal parental experience rather than a source or evidence a reader can check.

Claims · 2

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

1“since last year, the TSA has started pilot programs at select airports with special lines reserved for families”Since last year (2025), the TSA has started pilot programs at select airports with special security lines reserved for families.search
2“8897 would codify the ongoing pilot program and ensure appropriate security protocols are upheld.”H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act, would codify the TSA’s ongoing family-lane pilot program.search

Analyzed on 2026-09-15