Congressman Chuck Fleischmann welcomed Father David Carter from the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga to the Floor of the United States House of Representatives for the opening prayer.
This time-honored tradition signifies the beginning of legislative business.
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Fleischmann said, “Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome a very special guest to our nation’s capital – Father David Carter of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga and the Rist family.
"Father David Carter is a man of strong faith and principled leadership.
"In our East Tennessee community, he serves as the Vice-Chancellor for Diocese of Knoxville and was the Chaplain at Knoxville Catholic High School until his tenure as the Rector of the Basilica began in 2013.
"He also enjoys the beauty that God has bestowed on the Volunteer State leading treks in the Great Smoky Mountains, but even outside of the house of God, he continues to show his faith, serving as Chaplain to the parish’s Trail Life group.
"In my service to East Tennesseans in this chamber, I often seek guidance from the Lord’s word and I am thankful to have Father Carter as my Priest.
"I pray that our nation knows more Father Carters – those who seek to serve and find Christ and the source of Truth. I hope that Father Carter and his guests enjoy their time in this beautiful city.
"Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”
Congressman Fleischmann’s floor speech can be found here.
Farther Carter’s opening prayer can be found here.