[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 78 (Thursday, June 7, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H2961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ON ENERGY AND REVEREND SHARPTON

  (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, I think it is important as my 
colleagues have already noted that as we discuss this energy concern or 
energy crisis, we begin to be part of the solution and not part of the 
crisis. I think it is important to note there are problems in the 
western part of this Nation; but as the hot summer months proceed, we 
will find it moving throughout this country. Enhanced funding for 
LIHEAP is important. Dialogue about a consideration of a moratorium on 
pricing is important. Businesses are closing. People cannot provide for 
their needs in the western States. And I clearly believe that it is 
important that we look at alternative fuel sources, but we will do 
nothing if we are not discussing these issues. We need to discover the 
solution over the problem.
  Finally, might I say in a totally different mode as a Member of the 
House Committee on the Judiciary, I am enormously disappointed in what 
has happened to Reverend Al Sharpton and a number of individuals who 
pressed the point of protest about the use of the naval base in Puerto 
Rico. It seems ridiculous that an individual who was pressing political 
speech and protesting on behalf of his beliefs should not be allowed 
bail. I would hope that there would be a consideration of his case so 
that as he is pressing his case of his innocence, he is allowed to be 
out on bail. It makes no sense. We believe in the first amendment in 
this Nation, and we should have the right to freedom of speech.

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