[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2023

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I did not vote on Monday, December 11, 2023 
because I was invited to the White House Hanukkah Recognition event, 
which I felt was important to attend given the rise in antisemitism. 
Out of respect for the Jewish holiday and, particularly for Jewish 
Members of Congress, I believe that votes should have been postponed, 
just as they were for the White House Holiday Ball last week. Had I 
been present, I would have voted as follows:
  NAY on Roll Call No. 708, H.R. 5378;
  YEA on Roll Call No. 707, H.R. 3224; and
  YEA on Roll Call No. 709, H.R. 6503.
  I also want to include in the Record the following letter to Speaker 
Johnson, which explains my decision in more detail:
       Dear Speaker Johnson: I write to urge you to postpone votes 
     this evening given that President Biden and Dr. Biden are 
     hosting a Hanukkah Reception at the White House at 6:00 p.m. 
     On Monday, December 4, the White House hosted a Holiday Ball 
     for Members of Congress at 6:00 p.m. I know several Members 
     appreciated that December 4 votes were postponed as early as 
     Friday, December 1, to allow Members the opportunity to 
     attend the ball without missing votes. Given that the 
     Hannukah Reception was planned within the same time 
     parameters as the Holiday Ball and that there are votes 
     planned today on December 11, I was hopeful that votes would 
     also be postponed until December 12 to give Members an 
     opportunity to celebrate Hannukah, especially given current 
     events. While my office, in addition to several other Member 
     offices, reached out to request that votes be postponed, I 
     understand that your office plans to continue with votes 
     tonight as scheduled. I find this incredibly disappointing. I 
     would expect that the Jewish Members of our body be given the 
     same consideration and deference as our other colleagues. 
     With that in mind, I respectfully urge that votes be 
     postponed. However, given the horrific October 7 massacre and 
     our minds in the war continually in Gaza against Hamas is 
     more important than any Hanukkah that we meet with our 
     constituents and reassure them that we will stand with Israel 
     as a priority, for its existence is in danger. I appreciate 
     your prompt response to this urgent matter.

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