[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2579-E2580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE THAT SYMBOLS AND TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS 
                          SHOULD BE PROTECTED

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2005

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is an excellent example 
of how the House Leadership politicizes non-issues to distract Congress 
from substantive issues.
  The Federal Government is obviously not opposed to Christmas, an 
annual celebration that has deep significance for those of us from a 
Christian tradition. In that sense, a ``Yes'' vote is appropriate.
  But Christmas is not under assault from the Federal Government; there 
is no need for this resolution. Therefore, a vote of ``Present'' could 
be appropriate; there is simply no controversy here.
  I chose to vote ``No,'' however, because the resolution is flawed. It 
misses the point. Christmas is not being threatened by the federal 
government. Instead, the season that celebrates Christ's humble birth 
in a manger has been commercialized and cheapened by those who 
celebrate it as the retail highlight of the year.
  My sincere wish for the New Year is that House leadership sets aside 
its penchant for distracting and divisive issues to focus on solutions 
to problems that face Americans every day.

[[Page E2580]]



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