Ernest Istook: “let me begin with the highest words of praise for the chief Democratic cosponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from…”

“let me begin with the highest words of praise for the chief Democratic cosponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop). I have the highest, highest opinion of his courage, his commitment, his dedication, his efforts. I know it has been a difficult experience, some of the experiences which the gentleman has gone through on this, and I appreciate his efforts to try to make sure that this legislation is in the best possible form. As we all know, we are part of the process that includes consideration of the constitutional amendment not only by the House but by the Senate, and we go through a perfecting process, trying to listen at every stage, trying to learn from that. When I began efforts on this amendment about 4 years ago, we frequently had meetings with 40 or 50 people at a time to try to get a multitude of opinions, and some did not necessarily support the effort. I met with them privately. I met with people who were adamantly in favor of the status quo and did not want anything done. I still met with them. I even went to the national convention of the group which has financed and pushed so many of these lawsuits. It is a kind of an offshoot of the ACLU called Americans United for Separation of Church and State. I accepted an invitation they were gracious enough to extend to speak to them at their national convention. It was not exactly a friendly reception.”