[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REAFFIRMING ``IN GOD WE TRUST'' AS THE OFFICIAL MOTTO OF THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2011

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I am troubled and disappointed that this 
duplicative and needless resolution reaffirming ``In God We Trust'' as 
the official motto of the United States is being considered today. It 
is a solution in search of a problem and it comes at the cost of 
addressing the jobs crisis in our country. With 25 million people out 
of work, job creation must be our top priority and we should be working 
every day to help get Americans back to work.
  Does anyone seriously believe that ``In God We Trust'' has come under 
attack? It is my experience that the American people do not need to be 
told to respect the symbols of our nation and our national motto. They 
already do.
  Some have raised questions about whether the national motto violates 
the First Amendment protections against the establishment of religion. 
Supreme Court Justice Brennan answered those concerns when he said, 
``The truth is that we have simply interwoven the motto so deeply into 
the fabric of our civil polity that its present use may well not 
present that type of involvement which the First Amendment prohibits.''
  Finally, one of my constituents wrote to remind me prior to 1956 ``E 
pluribus unum'' or ``Out of many, one'' was the de facto motto of the 
United States. I can't help but wonder whether it wouldn't be a better 
motto again today. As we face great challenges, we should always 
remember that we are all in this together.

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