Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1215, a measure to honor Bangladesh's return to democracy. I'd like to thank the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, Chairman Berman, and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for their support of this resolution. I'd also like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for leading this effort with me, along with other members of the House Caucus on Bangladesh. Just 18 months ago, this House passed a resolution urging a return to democracy in Bangladesh. At the time, we were concerned that Bangladesh was creeping toward totalitarianism and authoritarianism, especially after the ruling caretaker government postponed national elections. The 160 million people of Bangladesh faced an uncertain future. Instead of succumbing to the temptations of permanent power, the caretaker government ultimately scheduled nationwide elections. They invited international election monitors into the country and created an independent anticorruption commission. The elections were deemed credible by numerous international observers, and, most importantly, by the people of Bangladesh. Today, the day before Bangladesh celebrates their Independence Day, it is an opportunity for this House to honor the Bangladesh people and their democracy. Bangladesh has made important strides towards reaching the qualification requirements of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.…”