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Speaker Paul Ryan forces out the House chaplain, angers lawmakers
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| Contributor | IndyGeorgia |
| Last Edited | IndyGeorgia Apr 26, 2018 05:55pm |
| Category | News |
| News Date | Apr 26, 2018 03:40pm |
| Description | WASHINGTON — House Speaker Paul Ryan has ousted the chaplain of the House of Representatives, according to his resignation letter — a move that's angered members of both parties who have come to the defense of the Jesuit priest.
The Rev. Patrick Conroy wrote in an April 15 letter to Ryan obtained by NBC News, "As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives."
"The position is one which I did not seek nor strive to assume, but I have seen it as a blessing and I have considered it one of the great privileges of my life," Conroy said.
Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., called the move "just outrageous."
"As someone who is a personal friend of Father Pat's, as a lot of Democrats and Republicans are, I find it outrageous that he would be fired," Crowley told NBC News. "He would be the first chaplain of the House of Representatives in the history of the United States" who was ousted.
Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., also said he disagreed with Ryan's decision.
"It is just a sad commentary on America in the House that is supposed to be the House of the People — if we want to protect freedom of speech, a prayer here, then where are we going to protect it?" Jones asked.
Conroy has been blunt in some of his remarks, including in a prayer about the GOP tax bill on the House floor on Nov. 6, 2017, before the legislation was passed and signed into law by President Donald Trump.
"As legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle," Conroy said.
"May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans," he added. |
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