Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on this very important topic. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 823, which condemns the Iranian Government's persecution of the Baha'i minority. As an original cosponsor of this measure myself, I thank Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson for their work to bring it to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, as a former chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism myself, I have long observed how the Iranian Government has repressed its own people, stifled their voices and their freedoms, and systematically abused human rights. Nowhere is this more evident than in the mullahs' persecution of members of the Baha'i faith. Mr. Speaker, since the Iranian Revolution, Iran has executed hundreds of Baha'is, while 10,000 Baha'is have been dismissed from their jobs, and a number of their holy sites have been desecrated. Baha'is also have seen their homes and businesses raided, their children prohibited from attending college, and their property confiscated. This cruel persecution comes despite the fact that Iran has nothing to fear from the Baha'i. The Baha'i faith espouses the values of peace and unity, cooperation, education, interfaith harmony, and an end to prejudice. Wherever Baha'is live, they strive to be good citizens, devoted to service and universal respect for all people. Mr. Speaker, this includes here in the United States.…”