Our country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. The purpose of the First Amendment was to rule out the establishment of a particular religion and to prohibit government from discriminating against one religion by favoring another.  But it was never intended to mandate that government ban religious expressions or deny the existence of God.

Mentioning "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is consistent with our heritage, much like including the official motto, "In God We Trust," on our currency.  During the 107th Congress I cosponsored H.J.Res 108, a Constitutional amendment which would preserve our Pledge of Allegiance as originally written and protect our national motto.  Unfortunately, this bill did not make it to the House floor for a vote before Congress adjourned.  I look forward to giving it my full support when it is reintroduced in the 108th Congress.

Amending our Constitution should never be taken lightly.  However, we cannot sit idly by as the courts try to rewrite our heritage and traditions.  I will do whatever is possible to help ensure our customs are protected and preserved to pass down to our children.