Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in favor of the legislation. I want to thank the honorable gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) for his leadership on this and also salute Representatives Kustoff and Kilmer for their introduction of this legislation. It is important legislation, Mr. Speaker, because it extends protections under current Federal law for religious real property. We know there is no religious free exercise for our people if they are too afraid to go to church or to synagogue or to the mosque. Currently, section 247 of the Federal criminal code prohibits both the damaging of religious property because of the property's religious character and the intentional obstruction--by force or threats of force--of anyone's exercise of their religious beliefs. H.R. 1730 clarifies that not just force but threats of force against religious property are included in this prohibition. {time} 1730 In addition, the bill provides that the damaging or obstructing of such property that results in damages exceeding $5,000 constitutes a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. Finally, H.R. 1730 clarifies that real property covered by the statute includes property leased by a nonprofit, religiously affiliated organization. The importance of the bill, of course, is underscored by the recent upsurge, as Mr.…”