[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 7, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS DAY AND THE RELEASE OF AMERICAN CITIZENS IN 
                                 EGYPT

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I do want to acknowledge today 
the honoring, or the recognition, of National Black HIV/AIDS Day in 
acknowledging the work that many organizations have done to stop the 
devastation of HIV/AIDS in certain populations.
  I will submit a statement into the record extensively acknowledging 
the work that has been accomplished; but I rise today to address a very 
important international issue that appears to be politicized by those 
running for President in the Republican primary.
  First of all, we should all be concerned for Americans who are being 
held by ally Egypt, and we should be concerned for the safe passage of 
those Americans as quickly as possible. Yet it is ridiculous to 
associate this incident with the taking of hostages in Iran some 
decades ago. But, of course, where there is foolery, there is 
opportunity.
  I call upon Egyptian Americans to work with this administration to 
stop the holding of American citizens and to have them released 
immediately, and I will continue pressing for this as the weeks and 
days go on.

                          ____________________