Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1631, a resolution calling for protection of religious sites and artifacts from and in Turkish-occupied areas of northern Cyprus, as well as for general respect for religious freedom. First, I would like to recognize my colleagues for this incredible bipartisan effort. Thank you so much to Ranking Member Ileana Ros- Lehtinen and Chairman Berman, not only for their cosponsorship but also for assisting in fast-tracking this measure to the House floor. Also, thanks to my Hellenic Caucus cochair, Carolyn Maloney, and all of my colleagues who are cosponsors, including the U.S. House's strongest champion of human rights, Chris Smith. This display of bipartisanship illustrates that Congress can work together in a collegial spirit when it comes to protecting religious freedom throughout the world. As cosponsor and cochair of the Hellenic Caucus and member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, we've introduced this measure to highlight the continued violations that are taking place on the divided island nation of Cyprus. Even as Cyprus celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, we are reminded that roughly one-third of Cyprus continues to be under Turkish military occupation since 1974. This resolution demands that Turkey be held responsible for the continued violations of humanitarian law with respect to the destruction of religious and cultural property in Cyprus.…”