On the recordNovember 14, 2023
People have a right to practice their religion fully. They are not told to confine their faith to an hour on Sunday mornings. In fact, most major religions in the United States hold as a matter of doctrine that a person cannot change his or her gender. I go back to George Washington before the Constitutional Convention in 1789 pointedly attending a Catholic mass. He reached out to the Jewish community and proclaimed religious freedom, the choices of blessings, that unwavering commitment to religious liberty, to freedom, is what we should be honoring. Our word as a Member of Congress should mean something. If we will not stand up for the Constitution, for your right to freedom of speech, for the rights of Americans, we have no business being here. Compelling speech, Mr. Chairman, is an infringement of the most egregious nature. It must not be tolerated. This idea of not having a hostile workplace goes both ways, Mr. Chairman. Again, bark like a dog if you want to. You are still Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ogles). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 129 Offered by Mr. Perry The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 129 printed in part B of House Report 118-272.





