[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROTECTION AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK D. LUCAS

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today, I reintroduced the bill 
that I introduced last Congress in response to the absurd ruling made 
by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals which declared school recitation of 
the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Immediately upon hearing of 
this atrocious decision in June of last year, I began drafting my bill, 
the ``Pledge of Allegiance Protection Amendment,'' which would amend 
the U.S. Constitution to protect the right of schools to lead willing 
students in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe children in schools across America should 
start their day the same way we do here in Congress, by reciting the 
Pledge of Allegiance.
  The court decision has set a dangerous precedent that we cannot allow 
to continue nationwide. I know of no better way to educate our children 
about the beliefs we stand for in this great country of ours than with 
the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge is an important way of educating 
our children about the value of patriotism and democracy and a reminder 
that we are one nation, under God. That is why I believe we need to 
keep the Pledge in our schools and keep judges who don't value the 
Pledge out of our courts.
  As it stands now, a temporary stay has been placed on the effect of 
the ruling until the full panel of the Ninth Circuit reviews the case. 
I would prefer not to have to amend the Constitution unless it is 
absolutely necessary to do so, and it is my hope that the courts will 
overtum this ridiculous ruling. However, if they do not, then I have my 
bill ready to go to protect the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge your support of this bill and yield back the 
remainder of my time.

                          ____________________