[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H6947-H6948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COPTIC CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2013, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bentivolio) is 
recognized for the balance of the time as the designee of the majority 
leader.
  Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, there are not that many people in this 
country that are aware of the persecution that Christians are facing in 
the Middle East. Some people have a vague idea, but they can't identify 
the specific groups that are being targeted. Today, I want to talk 
about Coptic Christians in Egypt.
  The Coptics are the native Christians of Egypt. They trace their 
origins nearly all the way to the beginning of Christianity. At one 
point, they were the largest religious group in Egypt, but now 
represent a minority. However, they are currently the largest religious 
minority in the region.
  I have quite a few Coptic Christians in my district in Michigan, and 
I always hear the same thing: their families, friends, and fellow 
Christians are facing serious persecution and violence, and many have 
questioned whether or not it is worth staying in Egypt.
  They are a group whose history, culture, and language is rooted in 
Egypt. Over the last couple of years, they have faced an increasingly 
violent environment. For example, on January 1, 2011, over 20 Coptic 
Christians were killed when a bomb went off in front of the Church of 
St. Mark in Alexandria. Such a devastating attack sent shock waves 
through the Coptic community. The bombing was officially declared the 
work of a suicide bomber.
  After President Morsi was removed from power last year, many had held 
out hope that life for Coptic Christians under a new regime would bring 
change, stability, and security. Under President Morsi, they were not 
treated as equals, and the Muslim Brotherhood was certainly not a 
friend.
  In 2013, there was a wave of violence and destruction following the 
ousting of President Morsi. Christian churches were attacked and 
burned. However, the reality for Coptics under their newest President 
isn't much different.
  I think there is a very serious question that needs to be asked: What 
role should the U.S. play in protecting religious and ethnic minorities 
in countries to which the United States gives sufficient and 
significant foreign aid?
  The United States gives, on average, more than $1.5 billion in aid to 
Egypt annually. The United States Commission on International Religious 
Freedom has recommended that Egypt be officially recognized as a Tier 1 
Country of Particular Concern. However, the State Department has not 
made that distinction.
  Last year, I introduced the Support Democracy in Egypt Act to suspend 
further delivery of F-16s and Abrams tanks to Egypt until further 
review, to ensure that they were promoting democracy and stability in 
the region. Even with a new government, after the coup that ousted 
President Morsi, there hasn't been enough progress in Egypt.
  I don't think most Americans would be very appreciative to learn that 
their tax dollars are being sent to Egypt when that government 
continues to routinely persecute religious minorities, including Coptic 
Christians.
  In the United States, the right to religious freedom is protected in 
our Constitution. It would seem to be in conflicts with our morals, 
values, and beliefs to be so supportive of regimes in Egypt that fail 
to protect the same rights for their citizens.

                              {time}  2030

  If we are helping to provide stability and security for the Egyptian 
state but not its most oppressed people, then, perhaps, we need to take 
a long look at our relationship with Egypt. Most Coptics want the same 
things as Americans: the ability to practice their faith

[[Page H6948]]

free from persecution, provide stable lives for their friends and 
families free from violence, be able to speak freely in peace. At one 
point, I believe that the United States had the will to stand up to 
tyrants, dictators, and oppressive regimes, but the stories I hear from 
constituents about what is happening in Egypt contradict that belief.
  If we aren't pressing hard to encourage a stable society in Egypt, 
one that won't persecute religious and ethnic minorities, then Egypt, 
itself, will never really realize stability. Egypt will always be in 
flux, vulnerable to radical elements that would seek to undermine and 
destroy any progress that is made.
  We should be worried greatly about the Coptics in Egypt. They 
shouldn't have to flee their homes and leave their country behind 
because of their faith. They shouldn't have to worry about car 
bombings, suicide bombers, shootings, abductions, or any other kind of 
violence for which they have been targeted.
  We should support Egypt in its transition to a more democratic state 
but also keep in mind that religious persecution is still very real. As 
I said in a previous floor speech, if we want friends in the Middle 
East, then we have to encourage respect for religious freedom and 
diversity, not just build strong governments and militaries. If we do 
this in Egypt, they will be more stable, and its people can live in 
greater peace.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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