Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 2431. Mr. Speaker, I am glad that we were able to work through the process to reach a compromise on the legislation before us today. It is a fully bipartisan bill. It does not target one group or one country. Rather, it seeks to promote and protect religious freedom of all peoples throughout the world. This is an objective that deserves all of our support, and it respects all religions and faiths in the world. Mr. Speaker, we are poised on the brink of an historic vote to help millions of our persecuted brothers and sisters of faith around the world. The words of our first President, George Washington, ring out across the years as if written to us for this day: "I beg you will be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny and every species of religious persecution." This morning, with historic unity and courage, the Senate voted 98 to 0 to stand against the horrors of religious persecution. I rise now, after more than a year of work on this bill, in heartfelt support for the International Religious Freedom Act. Let us finish the job. With one voice, let us tell religious believers around the world that we have heard their cries and seen their suffering. Let us, with one voice, tell persecuting regimes around the world that we will not be silent and that we will not let their crimes go unchecked.”