[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 1129-1130]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   EXAMINATION OF VOTE ON H. RES. 847

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2008

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, one of the reasons the United States of 
America has remained for more than two centuries a model to the world 
is the constitutional promise of the first amendment: ``Congress shall 
make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting 
the free exercise thereof.''
  I did not vote against H. Res. 847, but I strongly believe it should 
never have been brought to the floor of the House of Representatives. 
It is appropriate for Congress to address moral and ethical issues of 
societal import, but not issues of religious import. Congress should 
not legislate on whether Jesus is peoples' ``savior'' or whether 
Christmas symbolizes ``God's redemption and mercy.'' Despite some good 
phrases, H. Res. 847 was inappropriate legislation that deserved 
neither a ``yes'' nor a ``no.'' I voted present, as I have occasionally 
done for legislation that I believe should never have been brought 
forward.
  Those of us who practice our deeply held religious beliefs are able 
to worship more freely than anywhere else in the world because of this 
important protection that our founders installed so wisely. My 
Christian religious faith not only supports my entire life and 
dedication to service; it also leads me often to speak out on religious 
tolerance in the world.
  Some people have noted that earlier this year I had voted to honor 
the Muslim observance of Ramadan and then recently refused to vote to 
honor Christmas. That is not really true. In October I voted in favor 
of a resolution that at the time of the Muslim Ramadan expressed 
``friendship'' and ``respect'' for Muslims and commended Muslims who 
reject ``hatred'' and ``bigotry'' and who present Islam as supporting 
``tolerance and full civil and political

[[Page 1130]]

rights.'' That was a message of societal and political import, not 
religious, and different in tone and content from the recent resolution 
celebrating Christmas.
  That is the way I see it, and when it comes to votes on the floor of 
the House, I call them as I see them. I trust my constituents will see 
it as a thoughtful and conscientious vote, even if they disagree with 
it.

                          ____________________