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[Pages H2325-H2326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, in recent weeks, it has been sad
to read that a judicial nominee, Brian Buescher from Nebraska, has been
targeted for his membership in the Knights of Columbus as a part of his
Senate Judiciary Committee's review of qualifications.
The assertion that being a Catholic and being a member of the Knights
of Columbus would prevent Mr. Buescher from properly and effectively
serving our Nation is preposterous.
Religion should not be a factor when measuring someone's ability to
serve their country.
I remind Senators that our Constitution, in Article VI, states that
``no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any
office or public trust under the United States.''
The Knights of Columbus was originally founded over 120 years ago. It
is a society for working-class and immigrant Catholics and is still
true to its founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
As a Catholic, my faith plays a significant role in every aspect of
life and fosters a respect for the religious rights and freedoms of
others.
I was encouraged to see last month that the Senate unanimously passed
a resolution confirming that membership in a religious organization
does not make a person unfit for public office.
Fundamental American values, among which are commitments to religious
freedom and human rights, will always be the cornerstones of U.S.
domestic and foreign policy.
I will continue to advocate for the rights of individuals to express
their feelings without living in fear of violence and persecution.
Recognizing Matthew Zajac
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matthew
Zajac, a double amputee Army vet, for his remarkable service to our
country and welcome him to his new home in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In 2007, during a deployment to Iraq, Matt and members of his unit
encountered an IED, which exploded under their Humvee.
Matt lost both of his legs; shrapnel tore through his wrist; and
severe burns covered the right side of his body. He received the Purple
Heart for his injuries and was medically retired.
Mr. Speaker, 2013 marked the start of a downward spiral for Matt
after losing his grandmother and his dad, a man who had stood by his
side throughout the entire recovery process.
Matt came to Arkansas seeking more than just help. He needed a
community. Today, central Arkansas community groups, veterans support
organizations, and our VA hospital are helping Matt restart his life.
He is seeking proper treatment for his PTSD and acts as a spokesman
for our Second Congressional District veterans group, We Are the 22,
which offers assurance and hope for veterans who are considering
suicide.
Matt's sacrifice for Arkansas and America will never be forgotten,
and I join all Arkansans in offering Matt a heartfelt welcome to his
new house in North Little Rock.
Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the ongoing
humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the ineffective, inhumane, and
irresponsible actions of the Maduro government.
For years, Venezuela's United Socialist Party has pushed a once-
prosperous nation towards desperate poverty and open tyranny.
Today in Venezuela, Maduro celebrates while his people eat garbage.
For too long, the authoritarian regime has acted without
accountability. Water sanitation is nonexistent, and hospitals stand
without power or medicine, the results, Mr. Speaker, of 20 years of
irresponsible socialism under the Chavez and Maduro regimes--all this
while 200 tons of U.S. food and medical assistance sit unused at the
Venezuela-Colombia border, blocked by Maduro from entering the country.
I stand with the Organization of American States and over 50
countries
[[Page H2326]]
with interim President Juan Guaido and call on Maduro to step down so
that humanitarian aid can flow to the Venezuelan people, who are sick,
starving, and scared.
All Americans stand with Venezuelans, who want their republic back;
they want their rights back; they want their freedom back.
____________________
