Kerry Bentivolio

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, as the United States continues to improve relations with the Islamic world, partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has become indispensable in creating mutual respect and progressive reform that has served as a bulwark against extremism, conflict, and suffering around the world. Comprised of 57 states, the OIC specifically has been identified by the previous and current U.S. administrations as a key partner in changing the dynamic between the U.S. and the worldwide Muslim community through ongoing cultural dialogue and extensive humanitarian efforts. Joint initiatives between the U.S. and the OIC have helped to eradicate polio and promote maternal health in Mali, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. This partnership has also facilitated discussions on creating economic opportunity worldwide as a permanent solution to extremist recruitment endeavors, which continually seek out the most disadvantaged in society. Interfaith and intercultural discourse focusing on promoting religious respect and the modernization of the Muslim world have provided the means to produce new, lasting foundations of cooperation, which will be fundamental in ensuring American interests and international stability in the future. The continued support of the OIC and its efforts to promote peace, security, and fundamental rights should be of paramount importance in U.S. foreign policy. It is through relationships such as these that the United States will remain a consistent engine of positive international change.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 588 and 589, I was unable to be present. My wife had surgery that day, November 18, 2013, and I needed to be by her side. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all said votes.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, doing the right thing is a core principle for our American soldiers. Doing the right thing for the right reason and with the right goal is even better. People of character must possess the desire to act ethically in all situations. One of our military's primary responsibilities is to maintain an ethical climate that supports development of such character. General Douglas MacArthur once said, ``No nation can safely trust its martial honor to leaders who do not maintain the universal code which distinguishes between those things that are right and those things that are wrong.'' Organizations often reinforce its belief system to its members. In the United States, our founding documents reflect the fundamental principles of our nation. The Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion. The military, which swears to protect the Constitution, places high value on the rights of its personnel to observe tenets of their religious faiths. It also demands respect for all individual differences in moral background and personal conviction. While religious beliefs and practices remain a decision of individual conscience, military commanders are responsible for ensuring that their subordinates have the opportunity to practice their religion. Under no circumstances can they deny military personnel the freedom of religion. Military Chaplains are staff officers with specialized training and specific responsibilities for ensuring the free exercise of religion. They advise and assist leaders and individual personnel on matters of faith and conscience, especially in a hostile environment. We must support our chaplain corps to help military personnel who desire it to achieve a proper faith based mindset. The Honorable Representative Sam Johnson of Texas is a former Vietnam prisoner of war. He recently mentioned his faith helped him through the hardships of his years of captivity. In Vietnam, as a young infantryman, I witnessed countless soldiers saying prayers before missions. In Iraq, I heard many of our National Guardsman praying before performing our Convoy Combat missions. The importance of a faith cannot be understated. Our country's distinguished military history gives ample testimony to the need for a faith-based character. Every combat veteran understands the basic requirements for readiness are not only their training and their equipment, but also a prepared mind, heart, and soul to face the enemy. An individual's beliefs assist our military personnel on the battlefield. Faith helps us face the horror and challenges of battle. In combat, ethical choices are not always easy. The right thing may not only be unpopular, but dangerous as well. Complex and frightening situations often reveal a person's character. Faith-based ethical behavior helps prevent atrocities during battle and soldiers and Marines have demonstrated a duty-consciousness that ultimately enforces a standard of moral decency. The moral courage to do the right thing in the midst of chaos and violence stems from the belief in a higher power. Mr. Speaker, living a faith and ethics go hand in hand. Ethical decisions are made every day in military organizations throughout the world. They include decisions that directly affect the lives of military personnel in the field, innocent noncombatants, military civilians, and contractors in the theatre of war. I encourage my fellow colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to make value and faith-based ethical choices for the good of the Nation. As members of Congress it is our duty to have the strength of character to make the right choices that ensure the protection of individual natural rights rather than taking them away.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, it's been seven weeks since the debut of the Affordable Care Act's website, and the reviews of the rollout are in. Opinions from news organizations and commentators from across the political spectrum are nearly unanimous--Obamacare is an unmitigated disaster. One constituent of mine, Cynthia from Novi, Michigan, tried to sign up for Healthcare.gov after her employer told her she'd be losing her plan. Her first attempt to access the exchange saw her kicked off the website. After finally getting a quote for coverage, she saw that the price of her same coverage had skyrocketed. Jason, also from Novi contacted me about his experience with Obamacare. He has a family of four and likes his current plan because, quote ``worked for me and my family'' unquote. He recently received a letter from his insurance company explaining that the ACA had caused his plan to be cancelled effective January 1st. His new premium is 73% higher than his old premium. These are just two stories that exemplify the havoc that this law is wreaking on the American people. It cannot be fixed. Passing a delay, now, is like telling the captain of the Titanic to just hold out a little longer after the iceberg struck. It must be repealed.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for the opportunity to speak on this very important topic. Mr. Speaker, a few months ago, I read a report that really bothered me. The story said that Army briefs labeled Evangelical Christians and Catholics as ``extremists.'' That really disturbs me, and it should disturb everyone in this room--in fact, everyone in this country. We have to remember that the men and women in our Armed Forces represent a microcosm of America. Although they have a variety of beliefs, they work together to defend us. On the battlefield, the enemy doesn't care what you look like or what God you worship. I serve God and country in that order, as did many of my fellow soldiers. It was the greatest honor of my life to serve my country, first as an infantryman, as you said, and later in the Michigan Army National Guard for more than 20 years. I can say without a doubt that the soldiers I served with represented the best America had to offer. That is still true today as well. Millions of them are Christians. It is wrong and disrespectful to equate those who believe in traditional values with members of a hate group. Our military should grant mutual respect to everyone in the armed services, because that diversity is what makes America great. Before I close, I would like to remind everyone about that famous prayer that was addressed or mentioned in the gentleman from Texas' speech. A great general said before the soldiers embarked on that great, great battle on D-day: Good luck. And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a fellow, now deceased Veteran from the 11th District of Michigan, John Edward Emmett. John Emmett served four years as a United States Marine, Special Weapons Company, 29th Marine Regiment 6th Marine Division from 1942- 1945. He enlisted a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Legend has it he only joined the Marine Corps to impress his girlfriend, and later, wife of over 60 years, who was far more impressed by the Marine uniform than the army's--as she insisted he wear his dress blues on their wedding day. ``Jack'' as he was known by his friends and family, was a gunnery sergeant and marksman. He saw action in Okinawa and was responsible for 30 men who specialized in the operation of four 37mm anti-tank guns. He was called ``the old man'' because he was the oldest in his platoon--24 and said he never thought he would make it home. A part of him, even late into his 80's always felt a sense of guilt for surviving when so many of his fellow soldiers did not. After the War, Jack and his wife built their own home in upstate New York. After the birth of their four children they moved to the 11th district where they lived for over 50 years. Although Jack never talked much about the war, it was obvious how much that time in his life affected him. Jack passed away in 2003 at the age of 86. He left behind a wife, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His love of country transcended generations. His son Craig served in Vietnam and currently, his grandson Justin, is in the United States Air Force. His wife Betty, now 95, and daughter, a teacher in Farmington, Michigan, still reside in the 11th district. Jack was the type of man everyone loved and respected. Always the practical jokester, Jack left a smile on the faces of all he encountered and never missed an opportunity to express his love to friends and family. A man of courage, honor, loyalty, and kindness, Jack exemplified what it means to be a United States Marine. On this Veterans Day, the people of the 11th District of Michigan salute John ``Jack'' Edward Emmett for his sacrifice, dedication, and love of country. Thank you, Jack.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove myself as a cosponsor of H.R. 3292.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. I thank the gentleman from Ohio and brother in arms for the opportunity to speak today. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather served in World War I, and my father and uncle served in the 1940s. The gentleman who lived in the house across the street from where I grew up was a former sailor in World War II. His aircraft carrier was hit by a kamikaze. Down the street a few houses, was someone who fought in the Korean war. His daughter, Cookie, gave me my first kiss. Near him lived another veteran who served on a destroyer in the Navy, and there were two men across the street from him who served together in General Patton's 3rd Army as part of the force that relieved the 101st Airborne at Bastogne. I can still see their faces. Their examples of service played a crucial role in why I served in the armed services. Our next door neighbor was Charles Parker, Sr. As a Marine in World War II, he received the Purple Heart on Iwo Jima. His son, Charles, Jr., was my best friend. When I think of Chuck, I still smile. He was the guy who stood up for the little guy. I remember one time when this big bully picked on this little kid and a fight started. Chuck rushed into action and broke up the fight. He defended the weak. Doing the right thing matters. Charles Parker's name is inscribed on the Vietnam Wall memorial, panel 40 west, line 25. He died in service to his country on October 23, 1968. Doing the right thing matters. I think my understanding of service can be best summed up in the message of the movie ``Saving Private Ryan.'' Perhaps you have seen it. If you haven't, let me tell you what it is about. The movie begins with an elderly man walking through the cemetery off the beach at Normandy. His family is quietly following behind him. The scene then shifts to a landing craft heading for the beaches of Normandy on D-day. Tom Hanks plays the part of Captain Miller, 2nd Rangers. As the landing craft hits the beach, the soldiers quickly experience the horrors of battle. Many of his comrades are killed and wounded in the scenes that follow. But after securing the beachhead, Captain Miller receives new orders. His new mission is to locate and bring home Private Ryan, played by Matt Damon, who is in the 101st Airborne. Ryan's three brothers were recently killed within weeks of each other, and the Army thinks that no family should lose four sons to war. With a small contingent of soldiers under his command, Captain Miller sets off to locate Ryan. Over the course of a few days, Miller's group takes several losses. Eventually, they find him in a small village in France, but alas, he decides to stay and fight alongside his brothers in arms as they defend the small bridge in the village. During the battle, most of Miller's soldiers are killed. Only two remain. Captain Miller receives a mortal wound and sits gasping, his back against a motorcycle. He looks up at young Private Ryan and says with his last breaths, ``Earn this. Earn this.'' The scene changes to a close-up of Matt Damon. His face changes from young Ryan to the older man we met at the beginning of the movie. He is overlooking a gravestone that reads, ``Captain Miller, 2nd Rangers.'' Old Ryan falls to his knees in front of the gravestone and says, ``Not a day goes by that I don't remember what you all did for me. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I have earned what all of you have done for me.'' Let me tell you something. Not a day goes by that I don't remember what the fathers of my childhood friends and playmates did for us to protect the American Dream, and my good friend Charles Parker. No matter where your family hails from, no matter what your background is, as citizens of this great Nation, we must never let it be said that we have forgotten what our forefathers did for us. To my fellow veterans of the 182nd Field Artillery of the Michigan Army National Guard, and to all the veterans past and present, thank you for your service. May God always bless America, and may we continue to be the home of the free because of the brave.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Chairman, first I would like to thank the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Chairman Bill Shuster, and other members of the committee and their staff for working so hard on this bill. There are many good reforms in this legislation, and I applaud their efforts. However, while this bill initially deauthorizes $12 billion in old and inactive projects, most of those savings are simply moved to other projects. Offsetting costs is always good, but we can do better. We should be looking for real savings and clearing out the backlog for the American people. While the bill sunsets some new authorizations to help curtail the backlog problem, much more needs to be done about the current backlog. I am a former teacher. When educators teach the basics of our system of government, we say ``the legislature creates the law and controls the purse.'' The fact of the matter is, Congress has not been in control of its purse for quite a while, and these outdated, backlogged projects, some almost 50 years old, prove just that. Simply put, there is just too much spending with little to no oversight or accountability. It needs to stop. Many of these projects were earmarks in previous water resources bills. There was not sufficient follow-up to make sure they were completed on time and under budget. For example, the 2007 bill had approximately $8 billion in additional projects and earmarks thrown in during conference. If these projects and this money are important and necessary, then what has Congress been doing all these years to ensure these much- needed projects and funds were being completed? By this body's own action--or inaction--it has shown over and over that either these projects aren't important as some claim or that Congress is spending money on improvements without much thought. Every dollar we waste is a dollar that could be spent to help the American people and a dollar we wouldn't need to borrow against our children's and grandchildren's future. If these projects aren't important enough for us to ensure their completion on time and within budget, then we probably shouldn't have authorized it in the first place. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Chairman, our Nation is facing a fiscal crisis and Americans are sick of how much money Congress wastes. The fact that there is between $60 billion and $80 billion in old, inactive projects and backlog means something is wrong. It took less than a decade for the United States to go to the Moon. How could it possibly take decades to build a dam? Hoover Dam was built in 5 years. If we aren't going to do these projects right and on time, we shouldn't be doing them at all. We need to prioritize and follow through on projects that are important. It is not radical to clear out old and back-dated projects. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Greater West Bloomfield Republican Club of Michigan, who like so many organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws an morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Troy/ Clawson Republican Forum of Michigan, who like so many organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens 'rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the North Oakland County Republican Club of Michigan, who like so many organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Oakland County Young Republicans of Michigan, who like so many organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Republican Liberty Caucus who like so many grass-root organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; the Republican Liberty Caucus promotes the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Constitutional Republic that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number of the state; a Constitutional Republic that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are a visionary group of individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and the Blessings of individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of the Republican Liberty Caucus, a truly American grass-roots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Willow Run Tea Party Caucus of Ann Arbor, Michigan who like so many grass-root organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American grass-roots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a few remarks regarding ongoing human rights and religious freedom abuses in China, and my related resolution, House Resolution 327. China's suppression of its people's rights is an atrocious affair. With the recent change in leadership, some had held hope that there would be progress, but it seems that the new premier, Xi Jinping, has continued to take things in the other direction--suppression of religious and ethnic minorities is getting worse, the right to free speech is being eroded, and more people are being subjected to harsh treatment by their government. China's claim that economic modernization would lead to increased protection of civil liberties has not proven true. Economic advances seem to come at the cost of those who are most vulnerable. Rather than securing liberty for its people, China has continued to vastly fund programs that serve to monitor and harass civilians. There are many people who have been fighting to obtain for China the level of freedom we enjoy in the United States and other countries around the world. These are people who I believe many Americans identify with, because we can empathize with those who are beaten down in noble, selfless struggles for dignity and liberty. Wang Bingzhang struggled to find a path towards freedom in China--a burden that I'm sure was overwhelming at times. His advocacy and his message ultimately cost him what he was fighting for--freedom. Dr. Wang was abducted in 2002, along with his colleagues, in Vietnam and taken back to China, where he faced a secret trial. In a one day trial, in which no evidence or witnesses were presented, Dr. Wang was sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement on charges of espionage and terrorism. His physical and mental health has deteriorated to the point where continued imprisonment is inhumane. This case has begun to attract more international recognition. Li Huanjun, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, was arrested on July 12, 2013, on ``suspicion of gathering a crowd to disturb social order.'' Ms. Li is a housing rights activist who advocates against the forced evictions that are occurring in China. She lost her home in just this manner as community leaders decided to sell her home to developers without consulting her. Her arrest is worrying, because many of the people who are arrested for protesting this kind of state action are subject to torture, beatings, and harsh sentences for alleged crimes. She is a mother whose fate is yet to be seen. Though the previous two activists are not mentioned in the legislation, they are both activists for whom I have advocated. The specific cases and people mentioned in the legislation are equally important. The persecution of individuals and entire groups of people in China is staggering, and much of this abuse is covered in H. Res. 327. Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are facing increased pressure and persecution from Beijing. Hundreds of people have also been arrested in Xinjiang for spreading ``online rumors,'' and for expressing dissatisfaction with the Chinese government. Chinese authorities claim that they grant wide-ranging freedoms to people in this region, but religious persecution, suppression of dissent, and monitoring and harassment prove otherwise. Mongolians continue to face harsh government oppression, as well. An example is Mr. Hada, who served a 15 year prison sentence for ``subversion,'' who continues to face detention after his release from prison, and whose wife and son have recently ``disappeared''. Dissidents are not the only ones who face persecution--their families are often targeted by authorities, as well. Inner Mongolia continues to struggle to keep a grasp on their culture and language while Beijing attempts to erode it. As a result of Chinese expansion into Inner Mongolia, the land and ecosystem is deteriorating--the Mongolian culture and way of life is in danger of deteriorating with it. The oppression of Tibetans has caused concern around the world. In acts of desperation, many Tibetan monks have self-immolated. They want greater religious freedom, and the return from exile of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. But, Beijing continues to maintain strict control over the Tibetan Autonomous Region, even going as far as maintaining police presence in monasteries. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who was sentenced to death in 2002, along with his assistant who was almost immediately executed, but had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment after human rights groups and experts claimed he did not receive a fair trial and that he faced harsh treatment in detention. Falun Gong practitioners have also faced serious persecution from Chinese authorities. China's efforts to eradicate this religion can be particularly severe. Long imprisonment, torture, and inhumane treatment of practitioners can often lead to death. The adherence to a belief system in China, like Falun Gong, is often a dangerous attribute. Many Falun Gong practitioners are often subject to the China's ``Reeducation Through Labor'' program, black prisons, and arbitrary detention. Hundreds of thousands of people are sentenced to serve time in these ``Reeducation Through Labor'' prisons. The list of human rights abuses, violations, and religious and ethnic persecution is almost innumerable. During China's previous membership on the Council, they greatly expanded their ``Weiwen'' program, used to monitor and harass civilians. This program is currently being funded at higher levels than their national defense budget. Many of the most famous cases of violations occurred while China sat as a member on the Council. Liu Xiaobo was arrested in 2009 on charges of ``inciting subversion of state power,'' and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, making him the only Nobel Peace Prize winner in prison. His wife, Liu Xia, continues to face harassment is currently under house arrest. For these reasons, the United States government and our representative in the United Nations should vote against China regaining membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council. This Council was designed to help protect people from the kinds of persecution that they suffer at the hands of the Chinese government. The effort to keep China off of the Council has a strong coalition, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongols, Han Chinese, Christians, Muslims, and Falun Gong, along with many human rights lawyers and advocates. I would urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join in this effort by cosponsoring H. Res. 327 to keep China off of the United Nations Human Rights Council and encourage another suitably qualified member from the Asia-Pacific region to stand for election as an alternate candidate.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Farmington Area Republicans of Michigan, who like so many organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Western Washtenaw Tea Party of Michigan, who like so many grassroots organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a Democracy that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American grassroots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Wayne County Campaign for Liberty of the Great State of Michigan who like so many grassroots organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; Wayne County's Campaign for Liberty promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Constitutional Republic that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number of the state; a Constitutional Republic that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are a visionary group of individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and the Blessings of individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American grassroots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Oakland County Campaign for Liberty of the Great State of Michigan who like so many grassroots organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; Oakland County's Campaign for Liberty promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Constitutional Republic that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number of the state; a Constitutional Republic that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are a visionary group of individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and the Blessings of individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American grassroots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Brighton Tea Party of Livingston County, Michigan, who like so many grassroot organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; and promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious, and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a democracy that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number; a democracy that seeks equality in liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a constitutional republic, the benefits of free markets, and individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to give this testimony in support of a truly American grassroots organization.

Mr. BENTIVOLIO

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the River City Patriots of Grand Rapids, Michigan who like so many grassroot organizations throughout our country have diligently educated our citizens on various public issues facing us today. Exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and in many cases petition their government for a redress of grievances in support of the restoration of liberty, not in restricting it; shrinking our bloated government, not expanding it; who want to reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish costly government programs, not create them; expose the abuses and oppressions of tyrannical dictates; River City Patriots promote the freedom and independence of our citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them. Mr. Speaker, these truly American patriots of every cultural, religious and ethnic background have found a common cause in fighting back today's proliferating big government rules and regulations imposed by costly bloated government bureaucracies who are accountable to no one at the expense of individual rights. They are God-fearing, freedom-loving Americans who desire nothing more than to rein in big government's tendency toward excessive coercion and the insidious spread of government overreach. They question when the validity of laws and morality contradict each other. They desire nothing more than the extension of individual freedom in a Constitutional Republic that attaches all possible value to citizens rather than making each citizen a mere agent, a mere number of the state; a Constitutional Republic that seeks equality in Liberty rather than in restraint and servitude. Mr. Speaker, there is a great political awakening taking place in our country today. The roots of which are solid stock and American made, they are visionary individuals who understand the moral foundations of a Constitutional Republic, the benefits of free markets, and the Blessings individual liberty. May they continue to strive valiantly and dare greatly. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few short minutes to give this testimony in support of a truly American grassroots organization.