[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H4068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VOTE NO ON ISTOOK AMENDMENT

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there is no more sacred right 
that we have in this country than the right each and every American 
takes when they go into their house of worship. The first amendment has 
made this Nation unique. I stand here very proudly acknowledging and 
embracing the uniqueness of the American flag and what it provides for 
us. Freedom. Freedom to sing ``Jesus loves me this I know.'' Freedom to 
cross one's heart, to pay attention to one's orthodox views, whatever 
one might believe in. We applaud it.
  That is why I stand today humbly before this House asking for a 
resounding vote against the Istook amendment, for it is not religious 
freedom, it is religious oppression. For our children today pray every 
day in their schools. They have organized prayer groups around the 
Nation. I would venture to say that everyone who takes any kind of exam 
in school, I would say to them, you had better pray. Pray in the 
school. Pray at home. Prayer is available. Freedom of religion is 
available. The Istook amendment will take that away from you.

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