Why I Voted No on H.R. 847, Recognizing the Importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith (Rep. Yvette Clarke)

In this season of giving, love, peace and joy, I am mindful not to allow Christmas to be narrowly defined by an act of Congress or to consent to the pronouncements of others that are not reflective of my Christian experience.  I firmly believe that it is the spirit of the holiday season that I personally embrace through the commemoration and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ that has taught me to accept the values expressed by a diverse civil society.  It is the love for our collective humanity; the desire to live in a world filled with peace and joy that truly defines and unites us as Americans.

As I embrace the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity of the people I represent, I encourage everyone to personify the spirit of giving, love, peace, and joy throughout the year – not just during the Christmas holiday season.

Happy holidays and a healthy, prosperous New Year to all.