[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 26180-26184]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING COMMENCEMENT OF RAMADAN AND COMMENDING MUSLIMS FOR THEIR 
                                 FAITH

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 635) recognizing the

[[Page 26181]]

commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and 
spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and 
throughout the world for their faith, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 635

       Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 
     1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;
       Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on 
     September 11, 2001, some threats and incidents of violence 
     have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of 
     African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members 
     of the Islamic faith;
       Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of 
     Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning 
     bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American 
     Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the 
     terrorist attacks on the United States;
       Whereas some extremists have attempted to use selective 
     interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hatred, 
     persecution, oppression, violence and terrorism against the 
     United States, the West, Israel, other Muslims, and non-
     Muslims;
       Whereas some Muslims in the United States and abroad have 
     courageously spoken out in rejection of interpretations of 
     Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and 
     terror, and in support of interpretations of and movements 
     within Islam that justify and encourage democracy, tolerance 
     and full civil and political rights for Muslims and those of 
     all faiths;
       Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual 
     renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the 
     Muslim calendar year; and
       Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan 
     commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for 
     one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great 
     religions of the world;
       (2) expresses friendship and support for Muslims in the 
     United States and worldwide;
       (3) acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy 
     month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and conveys its 
     respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the 
     world on this occasion;
       (4) rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against 
     Muslims, both in the United States and worldwide; and
       (5) commends Muslims in the United States and across the 
     globe who have privately and publicly rejected 
     interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and 
     encourage hatred, violence, and terror.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Sherman) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our colleague from Texas, Ms. 
Eddie Bernice Johnson, for introducing this important and timely 
legislation, and I look forward to hearing her remarks as we proceed 
with this debate.
  As we speak, millions of our Muslim friends and neighbors around the 
world are in the midst of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and 
spiritual renewal. The observance of Ramadan requires devotion to 
faith, community and family, truly universal values we all share. 
During the month of Ramadan, observant members of the Islamic faith 
fast from sunrise to sunset and focus their attention on the teachings 
of their religion as well as purity of thought and action.
  It is appropriate and necessary for the U.S. House of Representatives 
to mark the commencement of this important event which began this year 
on September 13 and continues for one lunar month. This legislation 
expresses the deep respect we all feel for Muslims in the United States 
and around the world.
  Since the horrific events of September 11, 2001, unfortunately, 
peaceful patriotic members of the Islamic faith have been subject to 
hateful and demeaning threats, words, even acts of violence. This House 
must stand with these law-abiding citizens in this time of conflict. I 
strongly support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 635, which recognizes the 
commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and 
spiritual renewal, and expresses respect to Muslims in the United 
States and throughout the world on this occasion.
  Regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan 
signifies a time of deep reflection for the 1.5 billion Muslims across 
the globe. During this month, special emphasis is put on prayer, giving 
to charity, daylight fasting, and self-examination and improvement.
  It is tragic that radical Islamists have used selective 
interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hate, injustice, 
oppression, violence, and terror. They have indoctrinated many young 
Muslims to hate and target for violence America, Israel, the West, 
other Muslims, and non-Muslims.
  Worse still, some have exploited the month of Ramadan, which should 
be devoted to spirituality and self-perfection, to stoke the fires of 
fanaticism and destruction.
  It is important to note that a growing number of Muslims, including 
many in America, are rejecting radical Islam and its culture of death. 
Instead, they are articulating interpretations of Islam that embrace 
the values of human life, liberty, and democracy.
  Indeed, today we are seeing a clash within Islamic civilization 
between those who wish to step into the light of progress and those who 
wish to return the entire world to the dark ages.
  Given the threat that radical Islam poses worldwide, the clash within 
Islamic civilization affects everyone throughout the world. That is why 
this House should take the opportunity to pass H. Res. 635. This 
resolution commends Muslims who reject interpretations of Islam that 
justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.
  May Ramadan this year truly be a time when Muslims and people of all 
faiths embrace freedom and tolerance for all, and reject violence and 
extremism.
  I thank my friend and distinguished colleague from Texas, Ms. Eddie 
Bernice Johnson, for introducing this resolution; and I urge its 
adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1130

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from 
Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), who is the chairperson of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment and, more importantly, is the author of this important 
legislation.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on September 13, 
2007, Muslims in America and around the world celebrated the 
commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I'd like to thank 
Chairman Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Meek, 
Congressman Ellison and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association 
for their continued support and leadership on this historic bill.
  The 2 best that I know are on my staff: my chief of staff, Murat 
Gokcigdem, a Turkish American; and Illham Jaffer, legislative 
assistant.
  H. Res. 635 recognizes Muslims around the world and commemorates them 
during their holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is observed in the ninth 
month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Of the Abrahamic faiths, Islam is 
a faith that places great emphasis on knowledge; therefore, it is a 
faith of reason and peace.
  The month of Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, 
family bonding, communal service and worship, and self-renewal for 
Muslims everywhere. It is the month of fasting

[[Page 26182]]

from sunrise to sunset for over 1 billion Muslims throughout the world.
  During this month, Muslim Americans are appreciative of America's 
tradition of diversity. The community displays its appreciation by 
reconfirming its duty to ensure human dignity and a better future for 
all.
  The Muslim American community contributes to the vibrant growth of 
American society and culture. Muslim Americans play a significant role 
in our Nation's political process, economic growth, scientific 
development, free enterprise, religious tolerance, law enforcement and 
homeland security.
  American pluralistic ideals, democratic institutions and 
multiculturalism are expanded and strengthened by the contribution of 
Muslim American civic participation.
  During this holy month, I'd like to say Ramadan Mubarak to all 
Muslims.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to a member of both the 
Committee on Ways and Means and the Homeland Security Committee, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 635, 
which recognizes the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of 
fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United 
States and throughout the world for their faith.
  I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, and I want to congratulate 
the sponsor, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. This is the first 
time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and 
recognize the month of Ramadan, a month which Muslims have been 
observing for more than 1,300 years.
  In this month, I know that Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset, 
but the month of Ramadan is about so much more than the act of 
abstaining from food.
  During the month of Ramadan, Muslims will strive to become stronger 
in their faith and in their character. This means striving to be better 
members of our families and within our communities, striving to perform 
acts of charity for those who are less fortunate, striving to set a 
better example to those around us. In truth, it is a striving to become 
a more complete human being.
  But this month should not just be important for Muslims. It should 
also be imperative for all of us non-Muslims to learn about this faith, 
which too often has been misunderstood and mischaracterized.
  Muslims share a great deal of commonality with other faiths. For 
example, the practice of fasting is not just done by Muslims but is 
also observed by Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus, among others. 
These United States of America, this is a Nation of God and all 
religions.
  Indeed, the book of Exodus tells us that Moses fasted for 40 days and 
40 nights while he was on the mountain with God, and the accounts of 
Matthew and Luke tell us that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights 
while in the desert prior to the 3 temptations.
  I've always been extremely fortunate to represent probably one of the 
most diverse districts in the entire country, the Eighth District of 
New Jersey. It has been through the many good works of my Muslim 
constituents that it has become clear to me that the true faith of 
Islam is one of peace and mutual understanding.
  Despite what others may say, we should have no qualms about electing 
a Muslim to any elected office in the United States, for our Nation was 
founded on the principle that there can be no religious test for 
holding office, only a test of that individual's character.
  We are all part of the beautiful tapestry that comprises our Nation, 
and Muslim Americans are starting to move to the forefront where they 
belong.
  I wish all Muslims in our Nation a happy and a blessed month of 
Ramadan.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Minnesota, who serves with me on both the Financial Services Committee 
and the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Ellison.
  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for yielding 
time and for this excellent resolution. I'd like to thank all of the 
authors, including Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and everyone who 
signed on to the resolution commemorating the month of Ramadan.
  I am celebrating Ramadan myself personally, and I have been doing so 
ever since my 19th birthday. I'm 44 now, and I can tell you that it is 
a time of reflection, a time of renewal, and regeneration.
  It's true that we fast during the daylight hours during Ramadan, but 
it also says in the sayings of Prophet Mohammed, that if you do not 
refrain from ill speech, bad speech, bad words, basically a bad 
attitude and negative disposition, then God has no use of your 
refraining from food and drink. And so in this month of Ramadan, it's 
important to reassess your life, to contemplate your role in society 
and to benefit your neighbor.
  I think it's very important when we talk about ``neighbor'' that we 
reflect upon what that word really means, ``neighbor.'' It was Jesus, 
who the Muslims call Esau and who they revere very highly, who told the 
lawyer in the Bible that his neighbor really wasn't even somebody of 
his own religion or his own tribe but really was that Samaritan from 
that other group who lended assistance and gave a helping hand when it 
was needed. And that is the origin of the story of the Good Samaritan.
  This idea of the neighbor is something that's very important in 
Islam, especially during Ramadan where Muslims of all faiths, all 
colors, all backgrounds, reach out to our neighbors, Muslim, Christian, 
Jewish, Buddhist of all types.
  I want to report to you, Mr. Speaker, that over the course of the 
last several weeks we've had several Iftar celebrations right here in 
the Capitol and also in the Pentagon and a tremendous demonstration of 
interfaith cooperation, interfaith working together and mutual respect 
and recognition.
  As was said earlier, and I quite agree, every faith tradition relies 
on fasting as a means for spiritual regeneration. I also want to report 
to you that on the date of Yom Kippur, which is the Jewish holiday of 
atonement and the commemoration of the time of the new year, that my 
mosque in Minneapolis and the synagogue Temple Israel in Minneapolis 
joined together to break fast together, and we ended up with a good 
problem, Mr. Speaker, and that is, that there were 150 people who 
RSVP'ed and said they wanted to come. We ended up with about 160 people 
coming, and we didn't have enough chairs for everybody, but we had 
enough food because we shared it, Mr. Speaker, showing again that we're 
not too far apart.
  Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to let you know that many of our Christian 
friends came to celebrate the breaking of the fast with the Muslims and 
Jews together, and we're really warmed and encouraged by the fact that 
we can all come together even though we have different faith 
traditions.
  So, Mr. Speaker, let me again thank the wonderful, excellent 
commemoration we're having today as a true expression of American 
values, religious tolerance, inclusion of everyone.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this opportunity 
to wish all my Muslim friends, particularly those in the San Fernando 
Valley, a Ramadan Mubarak, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend the gentlelady from Texas for introducing this legislation and 
our committee leadership, Chairman Tom Lantos and Ranking Member Ileana 
Ros-Lehtinen, for moving this bill to the floor.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime advocate and friend of the 
Muslim-American community, I am pleased to support H. Res. 635, a bill 
recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, and commending Muslims 
everywhere for their faith.

[[Page 26183]]

  I have always admired the unwavering commitment Muslims show towards 
their faith during the holy month of Ramadan. It has been an honor to 
join many of my Muslim friends during this month of family 
togetherness, selfless service, worship and spiritual rebirth.
  As the grandson of immigrants, I know true assimilation means 
preserving tradition while achieving success. I am in awe at how 
quickly the Muslim-American community has mastered both. In a matter of 
decades, the Muslim-American community has rapidly assimilated into 
American society. With shared values of hard work, discipline, 
community, family and culture, it's no wonder that Muslim-Americans are 
one of the fastest growing, most educated and highest earning ethnic 
groups in the U.S.
  America owes much of its vibrant society and rich culture to the 
contributions of Muslim-Americans. From the medical professionals who 
care for us, the educators who teach us and the titans of industry 
large and small, Muslim-Americans are one of the most indispensable 
parts of our nation's ever-growing melting pot. Muslim-Americans are 
authentic Americans, and proof that the American Dream continues to 
thrive.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 
635, a resolution honoring the month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month 
of fasting and spiritual renewal. This is an important resolution in 
support of our Muslim friends, neighbors and citizens.
  In my district we have many distinguished Muslim residents who 
contribute extensively to our community. They work tirelessly to 
educate our community about their faith and work to build interfaith 
relationships across our communities. For this I am deeply grateful. 
Their efforts, along with those of other people of faith in my 
district, are enabling us to build a strong and pluralistic environment 
that promotes tolerance and diversity.
  In this time of international conflict, it is critical that we 
demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the Muslim 
community in the United States and throughout the world. In two weeks I 
will be bringing faith leaders from across my district, including Jews, 
Muslims, Christians and Buddhists, to Washington, DC, for a day of 
discussions with Members of Congress and advocacy organizations to help 
further the important interfaith work already underway throughout the 
Central Coast of California.
  I am grateful for all of the people of faith in my district who are 
working to promote peace and justice through understanding.
  May this month of Ramadan bring us all closer to realizing a peaceful 
society at home and abroad.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on September 13, 
2007, Muslims in America and around the world celebrated the 
commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I would like to 
thank Chairman Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Meeks, 
Congressman Ellison, and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association 
for their continued support and leadership on this historic bill. The 
two I know best are Murat Gokcigdem who is Turkish American and my 
Chief of Staff and Illy Jaffer, Pakistani American and my Legislative 
Assistant. House Resolution 635 recognizes Muslims around the world and 
commemorates them during their holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is 
observed in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Of the 
Abrahamic faiths, Islam is a faith that places great emphasis on 
knowledge; therefore, it is a faith of reason and peace. The month of 
Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, family bonding, 
communal service and worship, and self-renewal for Muslims everywhere. 
It is the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset for over one billion 
Muslims throughout the world. During this month, Muslim Americans are 
appreciative of America's tradition of diversity. The community 
displays its appreciation by reconfirming its duty to ensure human 
dignity and a better future for all.
  The Muslim American community contributes to the vibrant growth of 
American society and culture. Muslim Americans play a significant role 
in our Nation's political process, economic growth, scientific 
development, free enterprise, religious tolerance, law enforcement, and 
homeland security. American pluralistic ideals, democratic 
institutions, and multiculturalism are expanded and strengthened by the 
contribution of Muslim American civic participation. During this holy 
month, I would like to say Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims.
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of House 
Resolution 635, a resolution recognizing the Islamic holy month of 
Ramadan. On September 13 this year, millions of Muslims throughout the 
world, and a great number in Michigan's 15th Congressional district, 
began a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. It is an 
important step for acceptance and tolerance within the United States 
that Congress, for the first time, is recognizing this exceptional 
religious observance.
  During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in self-discipline 
and purification. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from common 
daily activities such as eating and drinking, and tobacco use. Muslims 
also spend time reading the Koran, contemplating Islam, and cleansing 
their spirits. Ramadan is also a time to gather with family and 
friends, both at the nightly iftar, as well as at the conclusion of 
Ramadan, during the Id-al-Fitr.
  It is a pleasure to join my colleagues in honoring the celebration of 
Ramadan, not simply because Muslims are an important and growing part 
of American society, but also because goals and tenets of Ramadan--self 
sacrifice, charity, and spiritual renewal--are shared by Americans of 
all faiths. Hopefully, Congressional recognition of Ramadan will lead 
to an increased appreciation for these shared values. Certainly, 
recognizing Ramadan, along with its observance in the United States, 
contributes to the vibrancy, dynamism, and character of our great 
Nation.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 635, recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic 
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in 
the United States and throughout the world for their faith. I would 
like to thank my colleague, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, as well as the 
30 other cosponsors for introducing this important and timely piece of 
legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman Lantos for his 
leadership on this issue. This important legislation brings us together 
in celebration with our Muslim brothers and sisters, during this, their 
holy month of fasting and spirituality.
  Since the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States of September 
11, 2001, patriotic, law-abiding Muslim-Americans of the Islamic faith 
have been targeted by threats and incidents of violence. The House of 
Representatives has rebuked and condemned such actions from their very 
inception, with their September 14, 2001 resolution condemning bigotry 
and violence against American Muslims, and must continue to do so. It 
is important during this period of international uncertainty and 
apprehension to look to our commonalities, recognizing universal values 
that transcend culture, nationality, and religion.
  The Muslim American Community has grown in size and prominence, and 
is an integral part of the fabric of this nation. The Muslim population 
in North America is characterized by its diversity. Some 80 nations are 
represented in the mosque communities of the United States, including a 
variety of traditions, practices, doctrines, and beliefs. Muslim 
Americans share the same values and ideals that make this nation great. 
These include ideals such as discipline, generosity, peace and 
moderation. In no month is this more evident than in the month of 
Ramadan, when more than a billion Muslims all across the world renew 
their bonds to family and friends, to neighbors and colleagues, and 
most of all to God. Ramadan is a special time of prayer and fasting, 
contemplation of God's greatness, and service to those in need.
  Mr. Speaker, it is in the spirit of equality and sharing that we must 
recognize the universal values of family, community, and faith that we 
all share. By recognizing the Islamic faith as one of the great 
religions of the world, the House of Representatives may demonstrate 
solidarity with and support for the members of the Muslim community, 
both within the United States and throughout the world. By supporting 
this legislation, we may convey our respect to the Muslim community and 
commend the vast majority of Muslims within the U.S. and across the 
globe who have rejected the misapplication and misinterpretation of 
their religion.
  As a co-sponsor of this legislation I feel that this is an issue we 
must address and I therefore strongly urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important legislation.
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. 
Res. 635, a resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the 
Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. This resolution 
also commends the Muslims in the United States and across the globe for 
their devotion.
  Ramadan demonstrates the strength of each Muslim's faith with a month 
of prayers, fasting, charity and self reflection. It is a beautiful 
observance each year by those who believe in Islam.
  It is important to have resolutions like this that recognizes and 
shows respect for one of the world's most significant religions, Islam,

[[Page 26184]]

and the nearly 1.5 billion Muslims throughout the world. Following the 
September 11th attacks, I am sad to say, there was an outbreak of 
bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims and 
Americans from South Asia. Intolerance is not an American value and 
Congress must show its support for the community of Islam in the United 
States and throughout the world.
  I would like to thank Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, 
Congressman Gregory Meeks and Congressman Keith Ellison for introducing 
the resolution and working to bring it to the House floor today.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 635.
  As our Founding Fathers recognized, the strength of this great Nation 
derives from the tolerance we espouse. America builds strength from its 
diversity. I am proud to be a part of a country where every person may 
practice their religious beliefs without fear. At a time when religious 
differences are igniting conflicts throughout the world, America serves 
as a beacon of hope that religious tolerance is not only achievable, 
but only serves to make a country stronger and more viable.
  The Islamic faith follows the lunar calendar. During the ninth month 
of the lunar calendar, called ``Ramadan,'' the Arabic term for intense 
heat and scorched earth, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the 
revelation of the Quran. In 2007, the month of Ramadan lasts from 
September 13 to October 12. This sacred month is observed with prayers, 
fasting, and charity.
  I believe we could all use a time of peace and reflection. Ramadan 
embodies these principles, and I applaud our Muslim friends and 
neighbors for their sincere religious beliefs.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 635, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________