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Rep. Keith Ellison

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Egyptian people on their revolution 1 year ago today. Of course that revolution is still a work in progress, but it reminded us of what people can accomplish through nonviolence and perseverance. It inspired my constituents and people around the world.

Egyptians disproved the myth that people in the region do not want democracy. Protesters in the streets were not asking for another dictator. The nonviolent protest was a stunning rejection of violence and extremism as exhibited by al Qaeda. They also were not blaming others for their problems. Their demands focused primarily on internal issues like the economy, corruption, and police brutality.

The United States must engage the new Egyptian Government. We can't advance our interests and values if we don't. If the new Parliament doesn't deliver, the Egyptian people will throw them out just like our people will throw us out. That's democracy. As they build theirs, we should remember that we're still perfecting our own.