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In the News
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Press Release Archive
June 17, 2003
Pledge Protection Act Reaches 218 Cosponsors
Supporters include Speaker Hastert
Washington, D.C. - A bill introduced by Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) which would guarantee the right of children to say the phrase "under God" when they recite the Pledge of Allegiance has garnered the support of 218 cosponsors, including Speaker of the U.S. House J. Dennis Hastert. Congressman Todd Akin's (R-MO) "Pledge Protection Act" H.R. 2028 affirms the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance by restricting the jurisdiction of lower federal courts from ruling on it.
The power of Congress to limit the jurisdiction of the lower federal courts is granted in Article III, Section II of the Constitution.
"The level of congressional support for this important bill is tremendous, and I am especially pleased to have the support of Speaker Hastert," Akin said. "The idea that there is a God, that God grants rights to humankind and that the essential purpose of government is to protect these rights is a fundamental principle of our founders and one that is believed and cherished by a vast majority of Americans."
Akin introduced his bill last month in light of a ruling by the Ninth District Court of Appeals in San Francisco that prohibits children in California from including the phrase "under God" when they recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
"Preventing children from saying 'under God' is an egregious breech of religious liberty and freedom of speech," stated Akin. "I am certain that support for my bill will continue to grow and that soon Congress will take real action on this important matter."
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