[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H10037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, in debates in this body in recent weeks some 
Members have criticized measures aimed at protecting public religious 
expressions or allowing participation of faith-based institutions and 
programs in the public sphere. This argument is not founded in our 
history or heritage. It does not have its roots in our Constitution, 
but rather in the criticisms of revisionists who wish the Constitution 
said something other than what it actually does.
  The record, however, is replete with the words and writings of our 
framers and founders, those who wrote the Constitution, founded our 
government overwhelmingly about the role of government and religion. 
Consider the words of John Jay, one of the three authors of the 
Federalist Papers, the first Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court. Jay 
declared quote:
  ``It is the duty of all wise, free and virtuous governments to 
countenance and encourage virtue and religion,'' end quote.
  The third chief justice, Oliver Ellsworth, echoed this by saying 
quote:
  ``Institutions for the promotion of good morals are objects of 
legislative provision and support among these religious institutions.''
  Mr. Speaker, let us get back to our roots.

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