WATCH: Rep. Ayanna Pressley of the 'squad' endorses allowing 16-year-olds to vote, says they 'possess wisdom and maturity'

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) spoke before the House of Representatives on Thursday explaining why she believes the voting age in the United States should be lowered to 16.

The discussion came during a discussion around HR1, the For The People Act, which seeks to "expand Americans' access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and implement other anti-corruption measures for the purpose of fortifying our democracy, and for other purposes."

"HR1 is bold, transformative legislation which fights voter suppression, promotes access to the ballot, cracks down on money in politics, and provides transparency to the American people," Pressley said.

"My amendment gets to the heart of HR1, and recognizes the contributions that young people continue to make to our democracy," Pressley said. "By lowering the federal voting age from 18 to 16 years of age, my amendment would enfranchise young Americans to help shape and inform the policies that will set the course for our future."

She further argued that they have "more than earned inclusion in our democracy," pointing to the contributions of young people in supporting various progressive social movements.

Pressley went on to argue that 16 and 17-year-olds across the country are working and paying taxes and therefore deserve a say in how the country is run.

"Some have questioned the maturity of our youth. I don't. 16 and 17-year-olds today possess wisdom and maturity defined by today's challenges, hardships, and opportunities," Pressley insisted.

"Now is the time for us to meet the moment and enfranchise 16 and 17-year-olds," she finished.

Pressley's amendment was ultimately not included in the bill before it was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill has not yet passed in the Senate.