[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 10 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM IN BRAZIL

  (Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, it should not be a partisan issue to support 
democracies globally and, in particular, affirm the results of the 
free, fair, and credible Presidential election in Brazil last fall.
  The radio silence of my Republican colleagues regarding the January 8 
attack on Brazilian democracy is inconsistent with their professed 
concern over freedom.
  On a bipartisan basis, we should denounce a would-be autocrat who 
refuses to accept the results of elections and is taking refuge within 
the United States.
  Our contempt should also extend to American extremists who are 
undermining democratic institutions at home and abroad.
  Our commitment to democratic freedom cannot be selective. Fascism and 
communism are two sides of the same authoritarian coin.
  Standing up for democratic values is not just about standing up to 
the Chinese Communist Party. It is about condemning autocratic 
movements globally.
  We must defend democratic institutions here and everywhere, including 
any conspiracy undermining Brazilian democracy.

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