[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 18, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           FREEDOM OF SPEECH

  (Mr. EDWARDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, while there is no scheduled business on the 
floor of this House today, I can think of fewer issues more important 
to discuss here than freedom of speech. I believe debate on this floor 
should be conducted with respect and dignity. Yet if this House were to 
impose a gag rule on free and open debate, it would be a genuine 
tragedy for our democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, this is the people's House and the people have the right 
to have their voice heard through their elected Representatives.
  If Members of this House were to fear that honest expressions of fact 
and philosophy might be denied on this floor, then we will have done 
our democracy and the freedom of speech so deeply embedded in our 
Constitution a great disservice.

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