[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 167 (Wednesday, October 31, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H12243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PRAYER BAN OVERTURNED

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, since the American founding, acknowledging 
God has been at the center of American experience. Today, for example, 
Congress opened our day in prayer. And thanks to the Seventh U.S. 
Circuit Court of Appeals, the Indiana General Assembly can open in 
prayer again.
  In November of 2005, U.S. District Judge David Hamilton ruled that 
opening prayers in the Indiana House of Representatives could not 
mention Jesus or endorse a particular religion. Then-House Speaker 
Brian Bosma appealed the decision; and yesterday, in a 2-1 opinion, the 
court overruled that decision.
  I commend the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and I 
particularly rise to commend the tenacious and principled leadership of 
Republican minority leader Brian Bosma. Because of his efforts, 
Hoosiers can continue our long tradition of acknowledging God in the 
public square and in the well of the people's State House.

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