[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H740-H741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRESS PRAYS FOR MARTIN AND GRACIA BURNHAM

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, today marks day 285 that Martin and Gracia 
Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines.
  Yesterday, in a video made by the Abu Sayyaf group, the Muslim 
terrorists, they confirmed their direct connection to the al Qaeda. 
Martin Burnham was forced to read a statement of grievances by the 
Muslims. The terrorists, through Martin, said they were targeting 
Americans and Europeans.
  Martin and Gracia are innocent Americans, God-fearing people who are 
simply trying to make the world a better place. In a recent letter from 
Paul and Oreta Burnham, Martin's parents, they wrote, ``We pray that we 
will soon be able to pass on to you good news of Martin and Gracia's 
release, but until then continue praying and believing God will see 
their release and being reunited again with their family.''
  At a time when the Nation is directly confronting terrorists in 
Afghanistan, contending with recession and unemployment and quietly 
fearing an additional attack, it would be easy to lose faith. I 
encourage our citizens to look at the strength exhibited by the Burnham 
family. Their plight is grave, but their enduring optimism and faith in 
God is a beacon of hope for us all.

[[Page H741]]

  Please join me in praying for Martin and Gracia's safe release, for 
the welfare of their family and friends, and for all of us that we 
share the Burnham's strong faith and use it to make our world a better 
place.

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