[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E36-E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that the attached 
letter, requesting excuse from the floor on January 6, 2005, be 
published in the Congressional Record. I have also submitted the letter 
to Leader Pelosi's Office.

                                    Congress of the United States,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                                  January 6, 2005.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Democratic Leader,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Leader Pelosi: I respectfully request to be excused 
     from the floor, today, on legislative business.
       Were I able to be present on the floor today, I would vote 
     to ensure that the electoral will of the people is respected 
     in every state. If there is any perceived electoral 
     irregularity, those who have been aggrieved must be afforded 
     the opportunity to have their concerns redressed, in the 
     appropriate manner and forum, as expeditiously as possible.
       The hallmark of our Democracy--lasting and cherished for 
     over two centuries--is that we respect and abide by 
     Constitutional principles. The right of franchise, purchased 
     with the blood and toil of our civil rights leaders, must not 
     be idly relinquished. We must fight to make all voices heard 
     in that noble and great enterprise that is America.

[[Page E37]]

       Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                                         Joe Baca,
     Congressman.

                          ____________________