[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SCHOOL PRAYER

                                 ______


                         HON. DAVID FUNDERBURK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 1996

  Mr. FUNDERBURK. Mr. Speaker, I believe our leadership should express 
its concern about the despicable act of an Atlanta TV station toward 
one of our Presidential candidates. I, for one, regret the way Alan 
Keyes was treated by being handcuffed and shoved in a parking lot. 
While I have made no endorsement in this primary, the profamily and 
provalues message of Alan Keyes deserved to be heard in the Georgia 
debate.
  The 104th Congress has spent its first year addressing economic 
issues. While these issues are of vital importance to American 
businesses and families, let us not forget the contract with American 
families. Especially in the absence of White House leadership, it is 
now time for us in the second session of the 104th Congress to address 
the moral and spiritual crisis facing America. The breakdown of 
families and the disregard of moral values are at the very root of our 
economic woes.
  Many Federal programs may have contributed to increased drug use, 
promiscuity, breakup of the traditional family unit, alternative 
lifestyles, and reliance on Government rather than work and individual 
responsibility. It's time the Federal Government sends our young people 
and families a clear message regarding values such as hard work, 
discipline, respect for human life, individual responsibility, and the 
sanctity of marriage. And since we can still begin each day with prayer 
in the U.S. House, it's time we return prayer to our schools.

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