[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 171 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on September 30, 
2021 due to not being physically present in the District of Columbia. 
Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: NO on Roll Call No. 
311.
  Today I was unable to vote on the Continuing Resolution due to being 
at an important hearing outside of the District of Columbia on behalf 
of a highly decorated Marine who is currently confined. The Democrats 
had a conclusive number of votes to pass the bill in the House of 
Representatives and my recorded vote of ``no'' would unfortunately not 
change the outcome. However, with the liberties of an American patriot 
and service member, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Stuart Scheller, hanging 
in the balance, I came to his assistance to testify in person on his 
behalf.
  When a member of Congress with my prior experience can potentially 
help someone who has repeatedly risked his life for our nation, it 
seems I have a duty to fight for the liberty and rights of all American 
citizens. A weighty decision had to be made, but protecting the legal 
rights and liberties of Americans, particularly one who has sacrificed 
so much, was the only choice to make. It is unfortunate that Democrats 
continue to spend at unsustainable levels and without any appreciation 
of the fact that their irresponsibility today jeopardizes the freedom 
of all Americans--those living today as well as those not even born 
yet.

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