[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION SHOULD 
    FULLY PROTECT THE FREEDOMS OF ALL RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES WITHOUT 
                              DISTINCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 190, expressing the sense of the Congress that the 
Russian Federation should fully protect the freedoms of all religious 
communities without distinction, whether registered and unregistered, 
as stipulated by the Russian Constitution and international standards.
  This resolution is an essential demonstration of our continued 
commitment to protecting religious freedom for all human beings 
throughout the world.
  Mr. Speaker, this nation was built by those who escaped persecution 
in their own homelands. Today we continue to see people throughout the 
world who still can not freely practice their faith.
  It is vital in order to protect the principles of freedom that this 
nation was founded on, that we protect the ability of each person in 
the United States to freely observe their religious practices. This 
also means that we as a nation must push other countries throughout the 
world to meet this same ideal standard on religious freedom.
  Religious freedom is a fundamental human right as affirmed by 
numerous international declarations and covenants, as well as by the 
United Nations General Assembly. I remain hopeful that we will continue 
with further efforts to fight religious intolerance.
  I applaud today's measure with enthusiasm and reverence.

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