[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H5089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WEEK

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Religious Freedom Week 
began on Saturday and runs through June 29.
  Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and is protected by 
our Constitution. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, 
along with freedom of speech and freedom of the press. This affords us 
the opportunity to have open and thoughtful debates on the floor of the 
House each and every day.
  The United States is a place where people of all faiths can peaceably 
practice their religion without fear of persecution, which is something 
we have recognized since our founding. The very foundation of our 
Nation, a place of freedom and liberty for all, was conceived by 
individuals in search of religious freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States of America will always be a beacon of 
light in the world, and we will always protect our fundamental, unified 
commitment to religious freedom. It is a central part of what makes 
America exceptional. It affords our citizens the right to live in a 
free society, because no person should live in fear for their beliefs.

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