Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006. -- (House of Representatives - June 20, 2005)

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Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

(Mr. TURNER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Obey amendment and in favor of the Hunter amendment.

Mr. Chairman, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Why do I rise in this body, on this floor at this time and make this statement about my personal religious faith? Because I can. Because it is inherent in the concept of democracy and our Constitution that we value the protections of freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, and the protection of the freedom of the practice of religion.

Because of this, I can stand here today and make my statement of faith, just as any other Member of this body or any other citizen of this Nation can make their statement of faith, whatever their faith or religion may be, or they may make a statement of a lack of faith, a statement of having no belief in any religion.

Mr. Chairman, we value this so much that not only is it a right that we protect, but we further protect individuals from discrimination based upon their religion or their belief in no religion. This body has many times voted to ensure that no American is discriminated against based upon their religious faith or lack of religious faith.

In ensuring that our laws against discrimination are enforced, we do not need to pass additional laws that would undermine one of the basic tenets founding this country, which is the belief in the free practice of religion, and the freedom of speech which includes the freedom of the expression of religious faith.

Our men and women in uniform serve their country by serving in our military. Their service is based upon an allegiance to our Constitution and its basic principles of freedom and liberty. We must never forget that many of our forefathers came here escaping countries that have laws and rules that restricted the practices of certain types of religion.

There are countries today where citizens or members of government are restricted and cannot stand, as I just did, stating their faith and belief in God. May there never be a time when a Member of Congress or our men in uniform may not freely and openly acknowledge their God or express their faith and belief in their religion or openly acknowledge their lack of religious faith.

The Obey amendment should be defeated. The Hunter amendment supports our freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support the Hunter amendment and oppose the Obey amendment.

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