On September 13th, I stood with 361 of my colleagues in order to defeat the ill-conceived H.R. 4892, the Scouting for All Act. This bill would have revoked the Scouts' federal charter. The Boy Scouts of America have remained true to their traditions, and are as deserving today of their federal charter as they were when it was granted in 1916.

As a former Cub Scout, Webelo, Boy Scout and Executive Committee Member of the Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I support the great tradition of the Scouts. For 90 years, the Boy Scouts of America have been training America's youth in moral leadership, ethical decision making, and traditional values. Having recently registered their 100 millionth member, the Scouts are as interwoven in American tradition as baseball and apple pie.

I have also cosponsored a bill to recognize the Boy Scouts of America for the public service it performs through its contribution to the lives of America's boys and young men. Scouting helps strengthen character, develops good citizenship, and enhances both mental and physical fitness. It is important that we support this organization that does so much for the development of America's future.