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Washington, Jul 19, 2006 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) today voted in favor of the Pledge Protection Act, which removes the Pledge of Allegiance from the jurisdiction of federal courts.

“The purpose of this legislation echoes the concerns of many citizens,” said Forbes. “Our Founding Fathers never intended to remove all mention of religion from public life, but instead to prevent government from influencing people regarding their religion. This legislation would affirm the right of individuals to recite the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance if they so choose.”

The Pledge Protection Act prevents activist federal judges from denying citizens the right to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The power of Congress to limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts and the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is granted in Article III of the Constitution. State courts are not under the authority of Congress and may still rule on the Pledge.

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