youcef nadarkhani was arrested in 2009 and charged with apostasy. he has now spent more than 1,000 days in jail. the state department said nadarkhani was facing possible execution, "simply for following his faith." several u.s. religious groups have also advocated for his freedom. >>> a group of prominent european rabbis denounced a recent court decision in germany which said circumcision amounted to bodily harm. the rabbis urged jews in that country to continue circumcising their baby boys, calling the ritual a "foundation" of the jewish faith. the court ruling did not outlaw circumcision but many fear it will discourage parents from circumcising their children out of fear of prosecution. >>> melinda gates, of the gates foundation, this week pledged to donate $560 million to expand access to birth control for women in poor countries. speaking in london, gates, who is a catholic, said she did not consider contraception a controversial issue. she quoted a recent poll showing that 82% of catholics find it morally acceptable. earlier this year, gates t

i'm glad to see my senate colleagues stand up for pastor youcef. the world needs to know what's happening here and i urge the government of iran to return this father to his rife and -- to his wife and his two sons. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition? for what purpose does the gentlelady from california seek recognition? >> address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlelady is recognized. mrs. capps: madam speaker, i rise to express my support for house resolution 689. a resolution introduced by my colleague, rosa delauro, honoring catholic sisters for their tremendous contributions to our country. catholic sisters have long been responsible for providing care to the neediest, most marginalized people in our city, whether they're feeting the hungry, clothing the poor, educating our students, healing the sick, fighting for our environment, the catholic siste