[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 11094] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 13, 2006 Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain my missed votes of yesterday June 12, 2006. Unfortunately, due to maintenance problems with numerous airplanes I was not able to arrive into Washington, DC until the votes had already closed. Had I been here for rollcall votes 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525 I would have voted aye on all 5 votes. Mr. Speaker, for far too long the Nation of China has had a record of abusive and abhorrent human rights violations. I am pleased that H. Res. 608, H. Res. 804, and H. Res. 794 were brought to the House floor to bring attention to the continued religious persecution and to remember the horrible events in Tiananmen Square. We must continue to hold China accountable for its actions and these resolutions were a step in the right direction. I am also glad that H. Con. Res. 338 was brought to the floor again calling on the nations of the Western Hemisphere to work together in combating Islamist terrorist organizations. Terrorism will never be an issue on which we can rest and we must ensure that all nations are working together to secure our borders and our nations against terrorist activities. Again, I am sorry I was unable to be here for the votes on June 12, 2006, but I hope this explanation adequately conveys my support for these 5 votes. ____________________