February 23, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H675 was a time of shortages, a time when War II. Furthermore, we must never forget the and remains as a testament for future genera- getting food meant managing ration horrible atrocities of the Holocaust and con- tions on the horrors of the Holocaust and the coupons. Despite their efforts, though, tinue to fight against acts of genocide around importance of preventing genocide in all on August 4, 1944, the Gestapo raided the world as well as fight against bigotry and forms. the secret hiding place, and they cap- intolerance here at home in the U.S. Sadly Miep Gies recently passed away on tured the eight hideaways who were be- During the Second World War, Miep Gies January 11, 2010 leaving behind a legacy of trayed by an anonymous tip. helped and assisted Anne Frank and her fam- compassion and teaching. Today I stand in Miep Gies discovered the pages of the ily by hiding and protecting them from Nazi recognition of the courage that Miep Gies had diary that Anne kept during her time persecution. In fact, Miep Gies agreed to hide in risking her own life to shelter and provide in hiding, and Miep locked them in a and assist the Frank family in avoiding Jewish for the Frank family while they were in hiding desk drawer for safekeeping. When she persecution at the hands of the Nazis without from the Nazis. The love and selflessness that learned that Margot and Anne had died hesitation. Miep Gies showed in sheltering her friends of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen con- Miep Gies initially met Anne Frank’s father, from the hatred and persecution of Nazi Ger- centration camp, she returned Anne’s Otto Frank, in 1933 and worked as a secretary many should be an example to us all. diary to Otto Frank, the only one of in his pectin manufacturing company, Opekta. I would also like to commend Miep Gies for the eight to have survived the Holo- After some time, she became well acquainted recovering and preserving the diary of Anne caust. with the Frank family, as did her husband Jan Frank through the end of World War II. Be- Later in her life, she testified against Gies, whom she married on July 16, 1941. cause of the thoughtfulness of Miep Gies, the the Neo-Nazis, who denied the authen- In the early 1940s, the Nazis began tar- Diary of Anne Frank now serves as both an ticity of the diary. She helped in the geting specific groups of people including inspiration as well as an example to millions of establishment of a museum in the Jews, ethnic Poles, Romani, Soviet civilians, people around the world. small building where Anne and her Soviet prisoners of war, people with disabil- It is important that we never forget the hor- family had hid. ities, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and rible actions that took place during the Holo- As was noted, she passed away re- other political and religious groups. Between caust. It is also important that we never forget cently, on January 11, 2010, at the age 1940 and 1945 during the Holocaust, more the courageous and noble acts of people all of 100, but she kept alive a very impor- than 6 million Jews and other targeted groups across Europe in the fight against the Nazi re- tant part of Holocaust history by pre- were exterminated by the Nazis. gime as well as those who assisted per- serving Anne’s diary and by helping us During this time, Miep Gies along with her secuted groups during those terrible times. to learn, to understand and to remem- husband and several colleagues helped hide Furthermore, I would also like to urge coun- ber so it will not happen again. the Frank family including Edith and Otto tries and leaders across the world to reassess The ‘‘Diary of a Young Girl,’’ by Frank, their daughters Margot and Anne, Her- their efforts in fighting racism, intolerance and Anne Frank, has been translated into mann and Auguste van Pels, their son Peter, anti-Semitism. Through providing education 70 languages—an inspirational story and Fritz Pfeffer, from Nazi persecution. Miep and instruction to adults and children alike, we about hope in the face of war and an Gies’ husband Jan Gies was a member of the can help to ensure that what happened in Eu- important testament for future genera- Dutch Resistance who was dedicated to as- rope during the Holocaust is never allowed to tions so that the horrors of the Holo- sisting Jews and other persecuted peoples es- happen again. caust will not be forgotten. Like so cape by obtaining illegal ration cards for food I ask my colleagues for their support of this many others who read Anne’s diary, as and finding good hiding places. Miep Gies and legislation as well as their support for those a young woman, I was deeply moved by her husband hid the Frank family in a secret who protect defenseless people across the her steadfast optimism even during a upstairs room of the office building that was world. I strongly urge you to support this reso- period of her life defined by the evil of used by Mr. Frank’s spice company from July lution. that day. 1942 to August 1944. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- Thanks to Miep Gies’ bravery, Anne’s Every few days Miep Gies would come by er, I yield back the balance of my time. recollections have been preserved for the secret upstairs room of Mr. Frank’s former Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I future generations. Miep later de- office building and bring food supplies in addi- have no further requests for time, and scribed her efforts to assist the eight tion to writing supplies for Anne Frank. Be- I yield back the balance of my time. people in hiding, saying, ‘‘Of course, cause of Miep Gies’ genuine compassion and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The it’s nice to be appreciated, but I only selflessness, her friends were able to evade question is on the motion offered by did my duty to my fellow man. I helped the horrors of Nazi persecution for two years. the gentleman from New York (Mr. people in need. Anyone can do that, Sadly, on the morning of August 4, 1944, MCMAHON) that the House suspend the can’t they?’’ the Gru¨ne Polizei arrested Anne Frank and rules and agree to the resolution, H. This understated appraisal of her he- her family who were hiding in the secret up- Res. 1074. roic acts is just one example of her stairs room of Mr. Frank’s office building. Be- The question was taken. modesty and her integrity. We can cause of her genuine care and compassion for The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the learn much from Miep Gies, an ordi- her friends however, Miep Gies attempted to opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being nary woman, who showed extraor- petition and bribe the Austrian Nazi officer to in the affirmative, the ayes have it. dinary courage in the face of unspeak- release her friends for several days after their Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, on able peril during Nazi occupation and arrest. Unfortunately the officer would not that I demand the yeas and nays. the Holocaust. She is a powerful sym- allow for their release. The yeas and nays were ordered. bol of resistance against oppression After being arrested, Anne Frank and her The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and injustice. She is an example of our family were deported to the Auschwitz Nazi ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the human capacity to rise even to the Concentration Camp where Anne stayed until Chair’s prior announcement, further most daunting of challenges. being transferred to the Bergen-Belsen con- proceedings on this motion will be I urge my colleagues to join me in centration camp. Sadly, Anne Frank later died postponed. recognizing this incredible woman’s there in March 1945 at the age of 15 though f life and legacy. her father Otto Frank, from whom she was EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam separated, survived the war. Speaker, I stand before you today in support Sometime after Anne Frank and her family HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of H. Res. 1074 ‘‘Honoring the life of Miep were arrested and deported, Miep Gies found ON RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN Gies, who aided Anne Frank’s family while the diary Anne Frank had kept while hiding IRAQ they were in hiding and preserved her diary from the Nazis in the secret room and safe- Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I for future generations.’’ guarded it through the end of the war. It move to suspend the rules and agree to I would like to begin by thanking my col- wasn’t until after the end of World War II that the resolution (H. Res. 944) expressing league Representative MARY JO KILROY for in- Miep Gies released the pages of Anne Frank’s the sense of the House of Representa- troducing this resolution in the House, as it is diary to her father, Otto Frank. tives on religious minorities in Iraq, as important that we honor and recognize those The diary of Anne Frank was later published amended. who helped and aided groups of people who and entitled ‘‘The Diary of a Young Girl.’’ The The Clerk read the title of the resolu- were persecuted by the Nazis during World diary was also translated into 70 languages tion.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:07 May 18, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H23FE0.REC H23FE0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 23, 2010 The text of the resolution is as fol- Whereas it is widely reported that only (B) permit and facilitate election moni- lows: 500,000 to 700,000 indigenous Christians re- toring by experts from local and inter- mained in Iraq as of 2009; national nongovernmental organizations, the H. RES. 944 Whereas since 2003, the Sabean Mandean international community, and the United Whereas threats against members of even community has found itself targeted by both Nations, particularly in ethnic and religious the smallest religious and ethnic minority Sunni and Shia Islamic extremists, and by minority areas; communities in Iraq could jeopardize the fu- criminal gangs who use religion to justify (6) the United States Government should ture of Iraq as a diverse, pluralistic, and free their attacks; encourage the Government of Iraq to work society; Whereas the Sabean Mandean community with members of vulnerable religious and Whereas according to the Department of in Iraq reports that almost 90 percent of the ethnic minority communities to develop and State’s International Religious Freedom Re- members of that community either fled Iraq implement tangible, effective measures to port, violent acts continue to pose a signifi- or have been killed, leaving only about 3,500 protect their rights and measures to reverse cant threat to members of the country’s vul- to 5,000 Mandeans in Iraq as of 2009; the legal, political, and economic nerable non-Muslim religious minority com- Whereas in August 2007 a series of bomb- marginalization of religious minorities in munities, including documented attacks ings targeted the Yazidi community of Iraq Iraq; against Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and resulting in an estimated 200 deaths and (7) in providing assistance to Iraq, the more than 200 injuries; other Christians, Sabean Mandeans, and United States Government should continue Whereas at least 20 people were killed and Yazidis, and ‘‘very few of the perpetrators of to take into account the needs of vulnerable 30 wounded in a double suicide bombing in violence committed against Christians and members of religious and ethnic minority August 2009 which targeted the Yazidi mi- other religious minorities in the country communities and expand upon efforts to nority in northern Iraq; have been punished’’; work with local organizations that serve Whereas the Yazidi community in Iraq re- Whereas according to the United States those communities; portedly now numbers about 500,000, a de- Commission on International Religious Free- (8) the United States Government should crease from about 700,000 in 2005; dom, there are grave threats to religious continue to fund capacity-building programs Whereas the Baha’i faith, estimated to freedom in Iraq, particularly for members of for the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights, the have only 2,000 adherents in Iraq, remains the smallest, most vulnerable religious mi- independent national Human Rights Com- prohibited in Iraq under a 1970 law; mission, and the newly-created independent nority communities in Iraq, including Whereas the ancient and once-large Jewish Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and other minorities committee whose membership is community in Iraq now numbers fewer than selected by members of vulnerable religious Christians, Sabean Mandeans, and Yazidis; 10, and they essentially live in hiding; Whereas the February 2009 Country Report and ethnic minority communities of Iraq; Whereas in 2008, the United Nations High (9) the United States Government should on Human Rights Practices issued by the De- Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) re- partment of State identifies on-going ‘‘mis- strongly encourage the Government of Iraq ported that approximately 221,000 Iraqis re- to direct the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights appropriation of official authority by sec- turned to their areas of origin in Iraq, the tarian, criminal, and extremist groups’’ as to investigate and issue a public report on vast majority of whom settled into neighbor- abuses against and the marginalization of among the significant and continuing human hoods or governorates controlled by mem- members of vulnerable religious and ethnic rights problems in Iraq; bers of their own religious community; minority communities in Iraq and make rec- Whereas in recent years, there have been Whereas many of these returnees reported ommendations to address such abuses; and alarming numbers of religiously motivated returning because of difficult economic con- (10) the Government of Iraq should, with killings, abductions, beatings, rapes, threats, ditions in their countries of asylum, prin- the assistance of the United States Govern- intimidation, forced conversions, marriages, cipally Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon; ment and international organizations, help and displacement from homes and busi- and ensure that displaced Iraqis considering re- nesses, and attacks on religious leaders, pil- Whereas many members of vulnerable reli- turn to Iraq have the proper information grims, and holy sites, in Iraq, with the gious and ethnic minority communities are needed to make informed decisions regarding smallest, non-Muslim religious minorities in not believed to be represented in more than Iraq having been among the most vulnerable, negligible numbers among these returnees: such return. although Iraqis from many religious commu- Now, therefore, be it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nities, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have Resolved, That it is the sense of the House ant to the rule, the gentleman from suffered in this violence; of Representatives that— New York (Mr. MCMAHON) and the gen- Whereas the Assyrian International News (1) the United States remains deeply con- tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- Agency reports that 59 churches were cerned about the plight of members of the LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. bombed in Iraq between June 2004 and July vulnerable religious and ethnic minority 2009; communities of Iraq; The Chair recognizes the gentleman Whereas persecution and violence in Iraq (2) the Secretary of State should develop from New York. have extended to church leaders as well, such and report to Congress on a comprehensive GENERAL LEAVE as the March 2008 kidnap for ransom and strategy to encourage the protection of the Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I killing of 65-year-old Chaldean Catholic rights of members of vulnerable religious ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho; and ethnic minority communities in Iraq; bers may have 5 legislative days to re- Whereas many members of non-Muslim re- (3) the United States Government should vise and extend their remarks and to ligious minority communities in Iraq report- urge the Government of Iraq to enhance se- include extraneous material on the res- edly do not receive adequate official protec- curity at places of worship in Iraq, particu- tion, and are legally, politically, and eco- larly where members of vulnerable religious olution under consideration. nomically marginalized; minority communities are known to be at The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Whereas control of several ethnically and risk; objection to the request of the gen- religiously mixed areas, including the (4) the United States Government should tleman from New York? Nineveh and Tamim (Kirkuk) governorates, continue to work with the Government of There was no objection. is disputed between the Kurdistan regional Iraq to integrate religious and ethnic mi- Mr. MCMAHON. I rise in strong sup- government and the Government of Iraq, and norities into the government in general, and port of this resolution, and I yield my- Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and other the Iraqi Security Forces, in particular, with self such time as I may consume. Christians, Sabean Mandeans, Yazidis, and the goal of ensuring that members of such Madam Speaker, H. Res. 944 expresses Muslim ethnic minorities Shabak and communities— the sense of the House of Representa- Turkomans are caught in the middle of this (A) suffer no discrimination in recruit- tives on the status of religious minori- struggle for control and have been targeted ment, employment, or advancement in gov- for abuses and discrimination as a result; ernment positions, in general, and the Iraqi ties in Iraq. Whereas many members of vulnerable non- police and security forces, in particular; and When the Iraq war began in 2003, lit- Muslim religious minority communities in (B) while employed in the Iraqi police and tle thought was given to the impact on Iraq have fled to other areas in Iraq or to security forces, be initially assigned, in rea- Iraq’s religious minorities. Only 3 per- other countries; sonable numbers, to their locations of origin, cent of the population in Iraq is non- Whereas the flight of such refugees has rather than being transferred to other areas; Muslim. These populations include substantially diminished their numbers in (5) the Government of Iraq should, with the Christians, Yazidis, Sabian-Mandaeans, Iraq; assistance of the United States Govern- Baha’is, Shabaks, Kaka’is, and a very Whereas approximately 1,400,000 Christians ment— small number of Jews. were estimated to have lived in Iraq as of (A) ensure that the upcoming national Although the new Iraqi Constitution 2003, including Chaldean Catholics, Assyrian elections in Iraq are safe, fair, and free of in- Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Syr- timidation and violence so that all Iraqis, in- recognizes Islam as the official religion iac Catholics, Syriac Orthodox, Armenians cluding members of vulnerable religious and of Iraq, it also states that no law may (Catholic and Orthodox), Protestants, ethnic minority communities, can partici- be enacted that contradicts principles Evangelicals, and others; pate in the elections; and of democracy or the rights and basic

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freedoms stipulated in the constitu- tleman from Michigan (Mr. PETERS) mately 11⁄2 million Christians in Iraq in tion. The constitution also guarantees and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 2003, and today there is less than half freedom of thought, conscience, and re- WOLF) for bringing this important of that amount. ligious belief and practice for both human rights issue before us today. Many of these Iraqis would like noth- Muslims and non-Muslims. The protection of members of vulner- ing more than to return home. Accord- Although the Iraqi Government gen- able religious and ethnic minorities, ing to the United Nations High Com- erally respects these rights, ongoing vi- including the smallest minority missioner for Refugees, in 2008, ap- olence restricts the free exercise of re- groups, is integral to the future of Iraq proximately 221,000 Iraqis returned to ligion, and this violence poses a signifi- as a free and stable country. Iraq is their home village or neighborhood in cant threat to the country’s vulnerable home to ancient and diverse Catholic, Iraq and the vast majority settled into religious minorities. These minorities Orthodox, and other Christian groups, areas where members of their own reli- continue to suffer at the hands of ter- including Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac, gious community controlled the neigh- rorists, extremists, criminal gangs, and and Armenian Christians, among many borhood or local government. even at the hands of unsavory elements others. They have been targeted for Unfortunately, Iraqi religious mi- within the Iraqi Government. Sec- kidnapping and murder by radical Is- norities do not have militia or tribal tarian violence, including attacks on lamic extremists. Various credible structures to defend themselves, and religious leaders and religious places of sources estimate that more than half they do not receive adequate protec- worship, continues to hamper their of Iraq’s Christians have already fled tion from the police or security forces. ability to practice religion freely. the country during the last several Not only does this make the possibility Many experts consider the situation years. of return nearly impossible for Iraqi re- for Iraqi Christians as especially dire. However, these dangers are certainly ligious minorities, it also leaves them According to Chaldean Catholic Auxil- not confined to Christians. The Baha’i particularly vulnerable to violence. iary Bishop Andreos Abouna of Bagh- faith remains prohibited in Iraq, and Iraqi Christians and other religious dad, the number of Christians in Iraq Iraq’s ancient and once-flourishing minorities are often specifically tar- may have been cut in half since 2003. Jewish community has reportedly geted in gruesome and random acts of As documented by the State Depart- dwindled to fewer than a dozen people. violence such as murder, rape, and ab- ment, Christians have been threatened All of us understand that Iraq’s ductions. This includes the Chaldean with violence if they do not leave their young democracy faces many chal- community, who this week is mourning homes. They have been accosted on the lenges, including its own threats from the kidnapping and murder of Arch- streets and have even been assas- insurgents and other extremists. But bishop Paulos Faraj Rahho on Feb- sinated. Their churches have been the marginalization, the displacement, ruary 29, 2008. Archbishop Rahho spent almost his bombed and destroyed. the violence that threatens Iraq’s mi- Reports indicate that other religious entire life living in Mosul and serving nority communities also endanger the minorities face similarly treacherous its Christian communities which are vitality and the inclusiveness of Iraqi situations. The Yazidis, who are con- among the oldest and largest in Iraq. society as a whole. sidered heretical by many Muslims be- For years, the archbishop was threat- We must strive to ensure that the cause of their beliefs, have suffered ened with violence because he spoke work that we and our allies do helps to under a tremendous onslaught of vio- out against discrimination against build Iraq’s capacity and commitment lence. Another targeted group, the Christians by Muslim extremists. to protect its minority citizens, and we Sabian-Mandaeans, numbered about Sadly, the archbishop was murdered must encourage the Government of 60,000 in 2003. Today, only about 5,000 because he refused to lend the support Iraq to ensure that its forthcoming Sabian-Mandaeans remain in Iraq, of his church to terrorists in their fight elections are an opportunity to rein- meaning that more than 90 percent against U.S. forces in Iraq. force the growth of democracy and have left the country or have been These stories continue to be trag- freedom in that country. Those elec- killed. ically common, and more must be done tions should be safe, should be fair, That is why we are considering House by the United States Government and should be transparent so that all Resolution 944 today, and that is why I by the Government of Iraq to protect Iraqis, including members of these vul- am proud to say that I am an original religious minorities. nerable religious and ethnic minority cosponsor of that resolution. This resolution calls upon the United This resolution urges the Govern- communities, can participate. And we States and the Iraqi Government to ment of Iraq to enhance security in must not let members of those minori- protect religious minorities by encour- places of worship in Iraq, particularly ties under siege think that they are aging free and fair elections, training where religious minorities are known alone or that they are forgotten. Iraqi security forces, and providing to be at risk. The resolution calls for For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I safe places to worship. It also seeks an the urgent training of an appropriate am grateful for this resolution, which investigation into human rights viola- number of security forces to protect re- deserves our unanimous support. tions and calls for an end to the abuse Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ligious minorities. It also urges the of Iraqi religious minorities. Finally, ance of my time. Iraqi Government to take affirmative the resolution calls for the United Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, at measures to reverse the legal, political States to work with the Iraqi Govern- this time I yield 3 minutes to the prime and economic marginalization of reli- ment to ensure the physical and eco- sponsor of this resolution, the gen- gious minorities in Iraq. In addition, it nomic safety of those wishing to return tleman from Michigan (Mr. PETERS). to Iraq. asks the United States to consider im- Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I plementing programs for religious mi- I would like to thank my colleagues, thank the gentleman from New York Mr. WOLF and Ms. ESHOO, who, as co- norities as part of its overall economic for yielding the time. assistance to Iraq. Chairs of the Religious Minorities in While the majority of Iraqis are Mus- the Middle East Caucus, have shown b 1445 lim, there are many communities of re- great leadership on this issue and for Madam Speaker, I urge all of my col- ligious and ethnic minorities whose their support of this resolution. I leagues to support this resolution in an history in Iraq goes back thousands of would also like to thank Chairman effort to make certain that all reli- years. This includes Chaldeans, BERMAN and Ranking Member ROS- gions survive and have a chance to Syriacs, Assyrians, and other Chris- LEHTINEN for their support and for prosper in the new Iraq. tians, as well as Sabian Mandeans and their staffs’ work in helping me bring Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Yazidis. this resolution forward today. ance of my time. Since 2003, approximately 21⁄2 million It is no longer possible to stand by Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- refugees and asylum seekers have fled and watch as millions of religious mi- er, I yield myself such time as I may Iraq, and millions more have become norities are subject to torture, abuse, consume. displaced, forced to flee their homes and discrimination, which is why I ask I also rise in support of House Reso- and neighborhoods because of sectarian my colleagues to support this impor- lution 944, and I want to thank the gen- violence. In fact, there were approxi- tant resolution.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:07 May 18, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H23FE0.REC H23FE0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 23, 2010 Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- has been no ambassador appointed for killings in the wake of the upcoming er, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes over 13 months kind of tells the story. elections in March. These attacks are to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Personnel, personnel is policy, and if being used as a means of intimidation WOLF), the co-Chair of the Tom Lantos there’s no personnel, it’s not a good to discourage Iraqi Christians from Congressional Human Rights Commis- policy. voting in the upcoming elections. sion and the coauthor of this impor- Let me just end. I want to thank the There have also been threats of vio- tant measure. gentlemen on both sides and the gen- lence using military means to prevent (Mr. WOLF asked and was given per- tlewoman for speaking. And I hope the elections from happening at all. mission to revise and extend his re- there’s a rollcall vote on this. I hope I first spoke out about the violence marks.) we have to vote up and down so we can against Christians in Iraq that last Mr. WOLF. I thank the gentlewoman send a message to the Assyrian Chris- year when one of my constituents and for yielding the time. tians and those who are going through a native of Iraq, Susan Dakak, brought I want to support the comments that tremendous persecution wondering to my attention the escalation of vio- have been made by Members of both whether anybody in the West cares. lence against this particular religious sides and let Members think about it Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I group. I also met recently, a few weeks for a moment. With the exception of have no further requests for time, and ago, with a member of the Iraqi Par- Israel, the Bible, the Bible contains I yield back the balance of my time. liament, Yonadom Kanna, recently to more references to the cities, the re- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- discuss the ongoing persecution of gions, and the nations of ancient Iraq er, I do have an additional speaker in Iraqi Christians. than any other country. The patriarch case the gentleman would like to re- The horrendous human rights viola- Abraham came from the city of Ur. I serve his time. tions and acts against religious minori- actually visited the site, when the war Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ties must end. The United States began, of the location of Abraham’s ask unanimous consent to reclaim the should do as much as possible to help house. Isaac’s bride, Rebekah, came balance of my time. stop the discrimination against and from northwest Iraq. Jacob spent 20 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there persecution of the Christian commu- years in Iraq, and his sons, the 12 tribes objection to the request of the gen- nity in Iraq, and this resolution will be of Israel, were born in northwest Iraq. tleman from New York? a meaningful step in that direction. A remarkable spiritual revival as told There was no objection. I urge my colleagues to support this in the Book of Jonah occurred in Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- resolution. Nineveh. The events of the Book of Es- er, I now would like to yield 4 minutes Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam ther took place in Iraq, as did the ac- to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. count of Daniel in the lion’s den. DUNCAN), a member of the Natural Re- 944—‘‘Expressing the sense of the House of So all of these religious things have sources, Oversight, and Transportation Representatives on religious minorities in taken place, and yet people have al- Committees, for his insight and the in- Iraq.’’ As a cosponsor of this resolution, I join most forgotten about Iraq. And the sight of his constituent who’s very con- my colleagues in expressing my concern previous speaker in his comments has cerned about religious minorities in about the plight of vulnerable religious and said the Christian community in these Iraq. ethnic minorities of Iraq, and we are particu- areas has been going through tremen- Mr. DUNCAN. I thank the gentle- larly concerned for the Chaldeans, Syriacs, dous pressure. woman from Florida for yielding me Assyrians, and other Christians, Sabean I have appreciated Ambassador Chris this time. Mandeans, Yazidis, Baha’is, Jews, and Mus- Hill’s commitment to this issue. In re- I also want to thank all of the pre- lim ethnic minorities, the Shabak and cent correspondence, he indicated that vious speakers: the gentleman from Turkomen, and other religious and ethnic mi- the security of the Christian commu- Michigan, the original author of the norities of Iraq. nity remains one of his paramount con- resolution; the gentleman from New Political and religious freedom in Iraq is a cerns, especially in light of attacks di- York; and especially the gentleman vital concern with regards to the nation and re- rected at Christian churches in Bagh- from Virginia, Congressman WOLF, who gion. When we envision the long-term peace dad and Mosul over the past 5 months. has been such a leader on these issues and security of Iraq, we envision a country But there needs to be leadership from for many years now. with a strong, functioning democracy that re- the highest levels within the State De- I rise in strong support of H. Res. 944, spects the rights of all citizens. That vision is partment as well. We’ve long advocated expressing the sense of the House of not a product of the imperialism of Western both during the previous administra- Representatives on religious minorities ideas; the tradition of religious plurality has tion and the current one that the U.S. in Iraq. roots in the history and religious beliefs of the needs to adopt a comprehensive policy While this bill calls attention to var- Iraqi people. But, although Iraq has a strong to address the unique situation of these ious religious minorities in Iraq that history of multiculturalism, it must not rest on defenseless minorities. This resolution, are victims of acts of violence and reli- this reputation. The rights of minorities in Iraq and I thank both sides for bringing it gious persecution, one group that is ex- are not fully protected, and the Iraqi govern- up, urges the Secretary of State to de- tremely vulnerable, especially vulner- ment can and must do more to protect the velop such a strategy. able, is the Iraqi Christians. In the rights of its minorities. In closing, let me just say it is time most recent series of attacks in Iraq’s The degree to which Iraq protects those for this administration to start taking northern city of Mosul, five Iraqi rights is a reflection on our country. Because religious freedom seriously. The posi- Christians were attacked and killed of the United States’ unfortunate detour from tion of U.S. Ambassador for Inter- just last week in various acts of vio- our struggle against terrorism into Iraq, the ac- national Religious Freedom has been lence. According to a February 17, 2010, tions of the new government of Iraq directly vacant, has been vacant for over a article from Reuters, ‘‘Bombings and reflect upon us. So far, I believe that the ac- year. Did anyone hear? There is no am- shootings are recorded almost daily in tions of the government of Iraq with respect to bassador for religious freedom that has the violent northern city of Mosul, political and religious freedoms are problem- been appointed by this administration. where the situation has been described atic. The position has been vacant, vacant by one Christian priest as ‘miserable.’ In no case is the Iraqi government’s treat- for 1 year. Yet we see the persecution Iraqi Christians are forced to hide in ment of minorities more troubling than their of the Coptic Christians in Egypt, the their homes in fear of being the next treatment of the residents of Camp Ashraf. Al- Assyrian Christians in Iraq, the Catho- victim of what is being called a ‘sys- though Camp Ashraf is halfway around the lic Church in China, the Catholic tematic campaign of violence against world, the conditions there affect Americans, Church in Vietnam, on and on. So we minorities.’ And Sunni Islamist insur- including in my own district and throughout the want to see this administration have gent groups have labeled Christians state of Texas where some of my constituents an ambassador who can advocate, as and other Iraqi minorities as devil wor- have family members in Camp Ashraf. For ex- the resolution calls for, to help Chris shipers and infidels.’’ ample, my constituent, Mitra Sohrabi, has a Hill and helps others to speak out and There is growing concern, Madam brother who is currently detained in Camp advocate. But the very fact that there Speaker, of even more violence and Ashraf, and worries about his health on a daily

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:07 May 18, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H23FE0.REC H23FE0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 23, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H679 basis. I also know many people in Houston ment crises in the world. The country’s reli- the gentleman from New York (Mr. and throughout the state of Texas who were gious minorities face a particularly desperate MCMAHON) that the House suspend the affected directly by the July 2009 raid on situation. Iraqi ethno-religious minorities, in- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Camp Ashraf. cluding Iraqi Jews as well as Assyrians, Res. 944, as amended. Late last year, three months after U.S. Chaldeans, and Syriac Christians, continue to The question was taken. forces turned over control of Camp Ashraf, face targeted killings, sexual assaults, abduc- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Iraqi Security Forces violated the human rights tions, and other forms of threats and violence. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being of the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI). They comprise a disproportionately large per- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Camp Ashraf detains over 3,400 exiled Iranian centage of the over 4 million Iraqis who have Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I political dissidents, who are members of the been displaced by the ongoing violence and object to the vote on the ground that a PMOI, including over 1,000 women. The PMOI instability. quorum is not present and make the opposes the current Iranian regime, and for Those who flee Iraq often encounter a life of point of order that a quorum is not their political beliefs they have been exiled crippling poverty. Many have great difficulty present. from Iran and sequestered in Camp Ashraf. finding work in their new countries and often The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Several women detained at Camp Ashraf have cannot support their families. They may bear ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the reported acts of intimidation and threats of physical and emotional scars as a result of Chair’s prior announcement, further physical and sexual violence by members of years of trauma, tragedy, and abuse. Those proceedings on this motion will be the Iraqi security forces. who stay in Iraq, on the other hand, face a life postponed. On July 28, 2009, Iraqi Security Forces con- of constant fear, intimidation, and outright vio- The point of no quorum is considered ducted a raid on the detainees at Camp lence. withdrawn. Ashraf. The raid occurred fewer than three I have a longstanding concern for Iraq’s f months after the U.S. passed control of Camp ethno-religious minorities. In particular, I have Ashraf to the government of Iraq. The raid worked closely with Chicago’s vibrant Assyrian COMMENDING THE U.S. NAVY FOR began on Tuesday, July 28th when Iraqi ar- community on efforts to protect Iraqi religious ITS WORK IN HAITI mored vehicles began attacks against the Ira- minorities and provide opportunities for refu- Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I nian prisoners. The attacks continued for two gees. In August of last year I wrote to Sec- move to suspend the rules and agree to full days and resulted in the death of 11 exiles retary Clinton, urging her to develop a com- the resolution (H. Res. 1048) com- and the injury of over 400 more. As a result prehensive plan for protecting these groups. mending the efforts and honoring the of the raid on Camp Ashraf, 36 men were ar- This critical issue is crying out for the attention work of the men and women of USNS rested under allegations of violent behavior. it deserves. Comfort and the United States Navy in The 36 arrested Camp Ashraf residents have That’s why this resolution is so important. the immediate response to those af- since been freed, but the United States has a The protection of ethno-religious minorities fected by the earthquake that struck continuing interest in ensuring that the events must be a component of our overall strategy Haiti on January 12, 2010, as amended. of July 28th never occur again. in Iraq, and the United States government The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Although most of the residents of Camp must do more in partnership with the Iraqi tion. Ashraf were not religious minorities, the Iraqi government and the rest of the international The text of the resolution is as fol- government’s treatment of the camp’s resi- community to ensure that all Iraqis, regardless lows: dents sets a dangerous example. In recent of religious affiliation, can live free of fear and H. RES. 1048 years, there have been alarming numbers of intimidation. Whereas, on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 mag- religiously motivated killings, abductions, beat- Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today nitude earthquake struck the country of ings, rapes, threats, intimidation, forced con- in support of House Resolution 944. I com- Haiti; versions, marriages, and displacement from mend Representative PETERS for his valuable Whereas casualty estimates, upwards of homes and businesses, and attacks on reli- work with the Caucus on Religious Minorities 150,000, as well as damage to roads, ports, gious leaders, pilgrims, and holy sites, in Iraq, in the Middle East, which, together with my hospitals, and homes, make this earthquake with the smallest religious minorities in Iraq colleague Representative FRANK WOLF, I am one of the worst catastrophes to hit Haiti in having been among the most vulnerable, al- proud to co-chair. The second anniversary of over two centuries; though Iraqis from many religious commu- Whereas an estimated 3,000,000 people have the kidnapping and brutal murder of the been directly affected by the disaster in nities, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have suf- Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul is a fitting time Haiti, nearly one-third of the country’s pop- fered in this violence. In summary, members to remember our responsibility to these vulner- ulation, who are currently at risk of long- of small religious minority communities in Iraq able groups both during and in the aftermath term displacement and vulnerability; do not have militia or tribal structures to de- of the war. Whereas Haiti is the poorest, least devel- fend them, do not receive adequate official As an Assyrian American, I am deeply dis- oped country in the Western Hemisphere; protection, and are legally, politically, and eco- turbed by the ongoing struggle Iraq’s minori- Whereas prior to the earthquake, Haiti was nomically marginalized. ties face each day. There have been dozens recovering from a terrible string of hurri- canes and tropical storms, food shortages This resolution will remind the Iraqi govern- of church burnings, kidnappings, and random ment that minorities of any type—be it race, and rising commodity prices, and political acts of violence against Assyrians, Chaldeans, instability, but was showing signs of im- religion, political affiliation, or difference of Syriacs, and numerous other minority groups provement and resolve; thought—are integral components of a robust and this Resolution calls on the Iraqi govern- Whereas President Obama vowed the ‘‘un- civil society and a true democracy. I have faith ment to take meaningful action to address wavering support’’ of the United States and that Iraq can and will achieve such a democ- their plight. pledged a ‘‘swift, coordinated and aggressive racy, but we must remember that building de- Last year, we took an important step by ap- effort to save lives and support the recovery mocracy requires more than a constitution—it propriating $10 million to assist Iraq’s minori- in Haiti’’; requires a commitment to democratic prin- ties in the Nineveh Plains region. I’m pleased Whereas the people of Haiti have shown re- ciples. markable resilience and courage in the face that today’s Resolution calls on the Iraqi gov- of epic tragedy; Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker. I rise ernment to protect the people in that area. Whereas the United States Navy responded tonight in support of H. Res. 44, a resolution Madam Speaker, for the sake of a free and within hours of the earthquake to swiftly expressing concern about the situation facing pluralistic Iraq, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on today’s provide the Haitians with aid; religious minorities in Iraq. I’d like to thank my Resolution. Whereas the USNS Comfort and its crew of colleague, Congressman PETERS, for intro- more than 1,200 has provided 24-hour care for 1500 ducing this resolution, and for being a per- b over 900 Haitians, ranging from newborns to sistent champion on this important issue. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I have no fur- critically ill patients; I am proud to cosponsor this resolution, ther requests for time, and I yield back Whereas the USNS Comfort’s over 550-per- which encourages the United States govern- the balance of my time. son medical staff includes trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck sur- Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ment, the Iraqi government, and the inter- geons, eye surgeons, and obstetricians and national community to take positive steps to have no further requests for time, and gynecologists; protect Iraqi religious minorities. I yield back the remainder of my time. Whereas the medical staff of the USNS Nearly seven years after the U.S.-led inva- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Comfort, as of February 18, 2010, had per- sion, Iraq faces one of the largest displace- question is on the motion offered by formed over 755 surgeries;

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