A HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Whereas, this country was founded on religious freedom by founders, many of whom were deeply religious; and
Whereas, the First Amendment to the Constitution embodies principles intended to guarantee freedom of religion both through the free exercise thereof and by prohibiting the government establishing a religion; and
Whereas, the Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist Minister, and first published in the September 8, 1892, issue of the Youth's Companion; and
Whereas, Congress in 1954 added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance; and
Whereas, the Pledge of Allegiance has for almost 50 years included references to the U.S. flag, the country, to our country having been established as a union "under God" and to this country being dedicated to securing "liberty and justice for all;" and
Whereas, the Congress in 1954 believed it was acting constitutionally when it
revised the Pledge of Allegiance; and
Whereas, this House of Representatives believes that the Pledge of Allegiance is not an unconstitutional expression of patriotism; and
Whereas, House Rule 2 provides that at the convening hour on the first day of each legislative week, the Speaker or his designee, shall lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag; and
Whereas, patriotic songs, engravings on U.S. legal tender, engravings on federal buildings also contain general references to "God"; and
Whereas, in accordance with decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, public school students cannot be forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance without violating their First Amendment rights; and
Whereas, the Congress expects that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will rehear the case of Newdow v. U.S. Congress, en banc; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives expresses its collective outrage at the Court of Appeals' decision, urges all appropriate action be taken to reverse this decision, and encourages our Attorney General to file an amicus brief urging reversal.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.