Appreciating Mrs. Jackie Autry's Refugee Stand

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a great American for her inspiring clarion call to support refugees. Jackie Autry, the widow of the crooning cowboy singer and film actor Gene Autry, placed an advertisement in Tuesday's New York Times, warning that denying entry to refugees at the Southern Border will give the United States ``another black eye.'' She compared the errors being made today to the slaughter of Native Americans, the enslavement of Africans, and the denial of entry to the M.S. St. Louis with more than 900 Jewish refugees during World War II. ``The current tragedy at the Southern Border will rank up there with these three,'' she wrote. Gene Autry gave up a career in Hollywood and international stardom to fight for our country in World War II, Mrs. Autry noted, and he would be offended at the treatment of refugees ``turned . . . away in the freezing temperatures of Christmas Eve.'' She added: ``We can't find workers in this country, but Congress will keep refugees out who want to work.'' She called on all who can ``to protect those who need protection and do what is right.'' I could not say it better and am proud to amplify her thoughtful and courageous statement. Thank you, Mrs. Autry.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source