Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5665, Combating International…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5665, Combating International Islamophobia Act. I have listened to my friends on the other side of the aisle, and they are my friends. I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together for what the values of America stand for. I have heard my colleagues recount the various efforts of inhumane treatment of Muslims around the world. This is an important statement made by America, to create the position of special envoy for monitoring and combating Islamophobia that will be responsible for tracking and coordinating efforts to combat Islamophobia. Also, it would require the State Department's annual ``Country Reports on Human Rights Practices'' to include acts of Islamophobia. {time} 2015 With 1 billion Muslims, the reason why I support this legislation is the statement it makes to the world about the values of this country, and the values of this country should be grounded in the fact that the religious freedom of all should be respected. Then, finally, I am really overwhelmed by the constant battering of our colleague, Ilhan Omar. To make her the center point of opposition in this place is beneath the dignity of this House. So by passing this legislation, let the world know that America's values are valuing religious freedom and that we stand against the abuse of Muslims around the world as well as here in the United States. Mr.…”