Congratulating Egypt

Floor Speech

(Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the valiant, heroic, brave people of Egypt who for 18 days took to the streets in Tahrir Square and used people power to stand up and to liberate themselves. For 18 days, they called on things like governance and to have a hand in their own destiny and their own democracy. Human rights, bread, dignity, things like that. I was so proud, watching the people in Tahrir Square of Egypt stand up and claim their dignity back, and I was proud to be able to say that so many Americans stood shoulder to shoulder with them.

I also want to add, Mr. Speaker, that it demonstrated that the people of Egypt reject the philosophy of al Qaeda, reject the philosophy of extremism, and used nonviolent tactics, tested the world over, to bring forth democracy. This is a wonderful testament to people who want freedom, justice, and equality to stand together peacefully. And it was so good, Mr. Speaker, to see people of multiple faiths--Muslims, Christians, other people, Jews--standing together to say, We want a new day in Egypt.

So, Mr. Speaker, again, my hearty congratulations to the people of Egypt.

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