Claudia Tenney
Representative for New York · Republican · United States
“Individuals like Dr. Melissa Jane Kronfeld have spent extensive time documenting all of this. I thank her for her efforts to draw attention to this critical issue.”
“Muslims have broad access to the Temple Mount and can pray openly upon the Temple Mount. Jews are severely restricted in their visits and do not enjoy the freedom to worship or the ability to wear their tallit and tefillin upon the Temple Mount.”
“Madam Chair, the Temple Mount, or Har HaBayit, as it is called, is the holiest site in the world to the Jewish people. During the periods of the First and Second Temples, Jews from across the land of Israel would travel to the Temple during the three annual pilgrimages.”
“Madam Chair, I respect the opinion of my colleague across the aisle, but it was also said that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was going to be too inflammatory and too dangerous. Many Presidents said they would do it. President Donald Trump did it, and it hasn't proven to be overly inflammatory.”
“Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. [[Page H4523]] The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''. Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(increased by $1,000,000)''. The Acting CHAIR.”
“It restores dignity, and it also restores fairness to the international religious freedom tenets that we all stand for, foundational type of religious freedoms that we actually revere in this country under our First Amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
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“It restores dignity, and it also restores fairness to the international religious freedom tenets that we all stand for, foundational type of religious freedoms that we actually revere in this country under our First Amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney). The amendment was agreed to.”
“Madam Chair, I respect the opinion of my colleague across the aisle, but it was also said that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was going to be too inflammatory and too dangerous. Many Presidents said they would do it. President Donald Trump did it, and it hasn't proven to be overly inflammatory. In fact, it proved to be the right place and the right thing to do. I think this is common sense. Why should Jewish people not be able to worship at their holiest site in equal measure that all other religions get to worship at their holiest sites? I think this is a commonsense amendment. I don't think it would be inflammatory. I think it makes sense.”
“I urge all my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment and to support religious freedom for all and support the rights of the Jewish people to freely worship at their very holiest site, the Temple Mount. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“Individuals like Dr. Melissa Jane Kronfeld have spent extensive time documenting all of this. I thank her for her efforts to draw attention to this critical issue. Further, when one of my staffers ascended the Temple Mount last year, he was harassed by Muslim onlookers, restricted from visiting most of the site, and was only allowed to be upon the Temple Mount for a very short duration of time. Madam Chair, it is unconscionable that Jews do not enjoy the same access rights to visit and pray at their holiest site that other religions do. This is a basic tenet and principle of religious freedom, and the U.S. must do more on this issue. That is why my amendment would emphasize the need for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to work to ensure religious freedom and equal access for all with respect to the Temple Mount.”
“Muslims have broad access to the Temple Mount and can pray openly upon the Temple Mount. Jews are severely restricted in their visits and do not enjoy the freedom to worship or the ability to wear their tallit and tefillin upon the Temple Mount. And for the Jews that ascend in spite of all these restrictions, they still face harassment from Muslims upon the Temple Mount. In fact, Muslim leaders have actively desecrated the site, including the planting and cultivating of trees at the inner courts of the Temple, expressly prohibited by Jewish law. Muslim children play soccer, practice boxing, and have picnics upon the Temple Mount, desecrating its holiness, while Jews cannot even freely worship upon the Temple Mount. You don't have to take my word for it, Madam Chair. There is photo and video evidence of all this freely available.”
“Madam Chair, the Temple Mount, or Har HaBayit, as it is called, is the holiest site in the world to the Jewish people. During the periods of the First and Second Temples, Jews from across the land of Israel would travel to the Temple during the three annual pilgrimages. These pilgrims included figures like King Solomon, King Herod, and Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord and Savior. However, whereas Christians and Muslims enjoy broad access and religious prayer rights at their holiest sites, Jews are severely discriminated against upon the Temple Mount. Muslims can currently enter the Temple Mount at 11 different gates, but Jews can only enter from 1 gate. Muslims can visit the Temple Mount any day of the week, but Jews cannot ascend the Temple Mount on Friday or Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.”
“Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. [[Page H4523]] The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''. Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(increased by $1,000,000)''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.”
“As we observe Autism Awareness Month, let us commit to supporting all Americans with autism, ensuring they receive the necessary resources, opportunities, and respect they deserve. As my friend Vincent has proven, autism should never be a barrier to success or happiness. ____________________”
“By raising awareness, we can support individuals and families affected by autism and help them lead fulfilling lives. I will take a moment to recognize my longtime dear friend Vincent McLaughlin, a dedicated advocate and true inspiration. Vincent has shown unwavering commitment to his community through his decade-long service on the Ulster County Planning Board representing the Village of Saugerties, his 16 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, and his continuous work to raise awareness and support for those living with autism. In 2023, he was appointed to the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities because of his advocacy and dedication, which embody the spirit of community involvement and empowerment. Vincent's selfless efforts make a difference every day, and I am grateful for his dedication and support.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [House] [Page H1671] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3, impacting social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Today, 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, and approximately 5.4 million Americans are living with autism spectrum disorder.”
“As we observe Autism Awareness Month, let us commit to supporting all Americans living with autism, ensuring they receive the necessary resources, opportunities, and respect they deserve. Autism should never be a barrier to success or happiness. ____________________”
“I would also like to take a moment to recognize my friend, Vincent McLaughlin, a dedicated advocate and a true inspiration. Vincent has shown unwavering commitment to his community through his decade-long service on the Ulster County Planning Board representing the Village of Saugerties, his 16 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, and his continuous work to raise awareness and support for those living with autism. In 2023, he was appointed to the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities because of his advocacy and dedication, which embody the spirit of community involvement and empowerment. Vincent's selfless efforts make a difference every day, and I am grateful for his dedication and friendship.”
“Today, 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, and approximately 5.4 million Americans are living with autism spectrum disorder. Autism prevalence has increased significantly over the past two decades, underscoring the need to expand research and provide adequate resources for individuals on the spectrum. By raising awareness, we can better support individuals and families affected by autism, helping them lead fulfilling lives. Our schools and early childcare programs must be equipped with the knowledge, resources, and training to assist those living with autism. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical, as they can significantly improve communication, social skills, and quality of life for individuals with autism.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E281] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH ______ HON. CLAUDIA TENNEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as ``National Autism Awareness Month''. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3, impacting social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function.”