Family Values

Our nation was founded by individuals who held strong religious and moral convictions.  The freedoms we enjoy now can be traced back to those convictions, including the fact that our rights as individuals, including the right to life, come not from any government, but rather from our Creator himself, and that the purpose of government is to protect those rights.

Since then, strong religious and moral convictions have been pervasive parts of American life, touching our homes, our schools, our work and our government.  Phrases such as "one nation, under God" and "in God we trust" are not just catchy slogans.  They are indicators of the extensive role that religious expression had played in the growth of the American nation.

While we need to be tolerant of those who do not share these beliefs, we must also make sure that the values held by communities, churches, and families are not infringed upon.  I will continue to work to protect the traditional values that have made America strong for over 200 years.

Actions

• I am a member of the Congressional Pro Life Caucus and the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

• I support H.R. 1091, the Life at Conception Act, which declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life.

• I support H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for any abortion and prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. This legislation was reported favorably from the House Judiciary Committee on January 15, 2014, and approved by the House of Representatives on January 28, 2014. It now awaits Senate action.

• I support H.R. 1797, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would ban abortions, with limited exceptions, in the United States after 20 weeks post fertilization.

• I support H.R. 217, the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, which prohibits the federal government from providing any federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the entity certifies that it will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion.

• The new health care law and its implementing regulations contain a laundry list of provisions that limit the Constitutional rights of Americans. That is why I support H.R. 940, the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which declares that the Affordable Care Act cannot require an individual to purchase individual health insurance coverage that includes coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which the individual has a moral or religious objection.