[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RESPECT FOR OUR DIPLOMATIC GUESTS

  (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. Madam Speaker, I have served on the 
Homeland Security Committee, tragically, since the occurrences of 9/11, 
and I want to congratulate this Nation for moving toward securing its 
people in a way that balances civil liberties and as well recognizes 
our responsibilities.
  As the chairwoman of the Transportation Security Committee, I want to 
acknowledge that in looking at how we treat our guests that come from 
other countries, we should always continue to review those 
circumstances. Just a few days ago, our guests from Pakistan, Pakistani 
parliamentarians, were traveling through our airport and were detained 
and asked a number of questions even though they were traveling with 
State Department escorts, as we understand it. I believe it is 
important to always remain secure but to remain balanced as well. I 
think it is appropriate that we look again at our procedures to ensure 
that our international diplomatic guests receive the kind of 
responsible treatment that is appropriate. We thank those who serve us 
on the front lines, but I will be looking forward to a full report by 
the Department of Homeland Security, and I offer to those dignitaries 
our respect because we do believe in international diplomacy.

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