Jeff Fortenberry: “I thank Congressman Lipinski as well for his tireless commitment to justice, to human dignity, to human flourishing.…”

“I thank Congressman Lipinski as well for his tireless commitment to justice, to human dignity, to human flourishing. Really, ultimately, that is what this resolution is intended to do, to call it what it is, a genocide, in order that there might be the proper settlement, when we finally come to the day when there is a proper security arrangement in the Middle East, when there is a reintegration of the religious minorities who, again, made up the rich diversity of the Middle East in a prior time who are critical to the ongoing stability of Iraq and Syria and other places. I am grateful as well that the gentleman pointed out the extraordinary work of our colleague, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, a Democrat from California. I am a Republican. We have other Republicans here who will speak in a time when Congress seems so divided on every issue--again, we have 200 of our colleagues-- in a transpartisan initiative to say that this is unjust, this must be stopped. By our actions of calling it a genocide, we not only elevate international consciousness, but again we create the conditions for the proper redress once we come to some proper settlement in the Middle East. I am so grateful for the gentleman's time and efforts on this behalf and for his leadership in Congress. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski.) Let me turn to my good friend as well, Congressman Jody B.…”