Steve Israel: “I don't think I need 1\1/2\ minutes to make my point. I think this is rather clear and rather simple. I was in Iraq…”

“I don't think I need 1\1/2\ minutes to make my point. I think this is rather clear and rather simple. I was in Iraq about 3 weeks ago when a bipartisan delegation was sent to urge the leaders of the Iraq Government to show respect and tolerance for their different faiths and create a unity government. This rule explicitly rejects respect and tolerance for servicemembers of different faiths in our own military. I offered an amendment that sought common ground, that preserved in its entirety every single word that the majority had in with respect to allowing and ensuring the right of military chaplains to pray in accordance with the dictates of their conscience. Every word of the Republican language was in, and then I added this simple statement, ``and shall behave with sensitivity, respect, and tolerance towards servicemembers of all faiths.'' Who could be against sensitivity, respect and tolerance to servicemembers of all faiths? The Rules Committee majority, which wouldn't even allow us to debate my amendment, which wouldn't even allow us to vote on that amendment. Who could be against national security that depends on unit cohesion and allowing our local commanders to make fundamental personnel decisions and ensure good order and discipline? The Rules Committee majority, which wouldn't even allow us to debate that amendment or listen to those military guidelines. People talk a good game around here about family values.…”