Coptic Christians in Egypt

Floor Speech

Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, there are not that many people in this country that are aware of the persecution that Christians are facing in the Middle East. Some people have a vague idea, but they can't identify the specific groups that are being targeted. Today, I want to talk about Coptic Christians in Egypt.

The Coptics are the native Christians of Egypt. They trace their origins nearly all the way to the beginning of Christianity. At one point, they were the largest religious group in Egypt, but now represent a minority. However, they are currently the largest religious minority in the region.

I have quite a few Coptic Christians in my district in Michigan, and I always hear the same thing: their families, friends, and fellow Christians are facing serious persecution and violence, and many have questioned whether or not it is worth staying in Egypt.

They are a group whose history, culture, and language is rooted in Egypt. Over the last couple of years, they have faced an increasingly violent environment. For example, on January 1, 2011, over 20 Coptic Christians were killed when a bomb went off in front of the Church of St. Mark in Alexandria. Such a devastating attack sent shock waves through the Coptic community. The bombing was officially declared the work of a suicide bomber.

After President Morsi was removed from power last year, many had held out hope that life for Coptic Christians under a new regime would bring change, stability, and security. Under President Morsi, they were not treated as equals, and the Muslim Brotherhood was certainly not a friend.

In 2013, there was a wave of violence and destruction following the ousting of President Morsi. Christian churches were attacked and burned. However, the reality for Coptics under their newest President isn't much different.

I think there is a very serious question that needs to be asked: What role should the U.S. play in protecting religious and ethnic minorities in countries to which the United States gives sufficient and significant foreign aid?

The United States gives, on average, more than $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt annually. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that Egypt be officially recognized as a Tier 1 Country of Particular Concern. However, the State Department has not made that distinction.

Last year, I introduced the Support Democracy in Egypt Act to suspend further delivery of F-16s and Abrams tanks to Egypt until further review, to ensure that they were promoting democracy and stability in the region. Even with a new government, after the coup that ousted President Morsi, there hasn't been enough progress in Egypt.

I don't think most Americans would be very appreciative to learn that their tax dollars are being sent to Egypt when that government continues to routinely persecute religious minorities, including Coptic Christians.

In the United States, the right to religious freedom is protected in our Constitution. It would seem to be in conflicts with our morals, values, and beliefs to be so supportive of regimes in Egypt that fail to protect the same rights for their citizens.

If we are helping to provide stability and security for the Egyptian state but not its most oppressed people, then, perhaps, we need to take a long look at our relationship with Egypt. Most Coptics want the same things as Americans: the ability to practice their faith free from persecution, provide stable lives for their friends and families free from violence, be able to speak freely in peace. At one point, I believe that the United States had the will to stand up to tyrants, dictators, and oppressive regimes, but the stories I hear from constituents about what is happening in Egypt contradict that belief.

If we aren't pressing hard to encourage a stable society in Egypt, one that won't persecute religious and ethnic minorities, then Egypt, itself, will never really realize stability. Egypt will always be in flux, vulnerable to radical elements that would seek to undermine and destroy any progress that is made.

We should be worried greatly about the Coptics in Egypt. They shouldn't have to flee their homes and leave their country behind because of their faith. They shouldn't have to worry about car bombings, suicide bombers, shootings, abductions, or any other kind of violence for which they have been targeted.

We should support Egypt in its transition to a more democratic state but also keep in mind that religious persecution is still very real. As I said in a previous floor speech, if we want friends in the Middle East, then we have to encourage respect for religious freedom and diversity, not just build strong governments and militaries. If we do this in Egypt, they will be more stable, and its people can live in greater peace.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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