[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROTECT THE PLEDGE OF 
                   ALLEGIANCE AND THE NATIONAL MOTTO

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                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
would create a constitutional amendment to protect the Pledge of 
Allegiance and the National motto. Recently, a federal court in San 
Francisco ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional and 
cannot be recited in schools.
  This is the latest in a rash of stunning decisions that have come 
from our federal courts. It is an unfortunate assault on America's 
tradition of recognizing the role of God in our country's life and as 
the foundation of our liberties.
  The order and decision by this court has been suspended, but it is a 
chilling fact that this decision was ever issued in a U.S. Federal 
court. An overwhelming majority of Americans were outraged with this 
decision and are hopeful that it will be overturned--but there is no 
guarantee. In fact, there have been reports of those wishing to 
challenge the use of ``In God We Trust,'' the National motto, on our 
currency.
  Unfortunately, there has been a trend in our courts that have sought 
to remove every vestige of God from our country, while child 
pornography is protected. The time for action has come. Today, I am 
introducing legislation that would provide for a constitutional 
amendment to protect the ``Pledge of Allegiance'' and the national 
motto ``In God We Trust.''
  Amending the Constitution is never taken lightly, nor should it be. 
Yet Congress can no longer sit idly while the courts rewrite our 
nation's history and traditions. This amendment is very clean, clear, 
concise, and as unobtrusive as possible. However, it is very effective 
and the only way to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance and the 
national motto are protected and preserved.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill and hope that we can 
begin the process to move it forward.

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