[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING TO THE HOUSE MS. ELIZABETH TRISLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Elizabeth Trisler on winning the National Right to Life Committee's 
Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest. This contest offers young Americans 
the opportunity to speak on an issue of great importance to them and to 
our Nation--the right to life.
  Public speaking is an essential skill and I commend Elizabeth for her 
eloquence and articulacy. Whether in politics, business, or education, 
the ability to speak with confidence is essential to success in the 
21st-century world. Elizabeth's decision to use her ability in support 
of a great cause deserves the respect of her peers and elected 
officials.
  I am pleased that Elizabeth is taking an interest in politics. It is 
always encouraging to see young Americans speaking out on issues 
important to them. Our democracy depends on engaged citizens exercising 
their First Amendment right to free speech. Her words should be a 
clarion call to a generation of Americans that life is a precious gift 
from God that we must all cherish and defend.
  Elizabeth's achievement was recognized by the Ohio State House and 
State Senate, each of whom designated proclamations in her honor. Such 
an honor has become a tradition in my home State of Ohio, where 
honorary resolutions are presented at the beginning of sessions of the 
State legislature. Unfortunately, Elizabeth's recognition was delayed 
by partisanship and division.
  Just 5 days before the award was scheduled to be presented, 
Elizabeth's State representative was informed that the House Speaker 
was cancelling the ceremony due to the political controversy 
surrounding abortion. This highly politicized decision sent the wrong 
message to our young men and women--that even in our legislative 
chambers, the way to deal with opinions with which we disagree is to 
ignore them.
  After a 2-week controversy, the Speaker finally allowed Elizabeth to 
accept her award on the House Floor. I respect the Speaker's decision 
to withdraw his previously announced policy and allow for the 
significance of Elizabeth's achievement to be celebrated.
  In conclusion, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Elizabeth for her outstanding performance and having the courage to 
enter the public square and speak eloquently about one of the great 
moral issues of our time.

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