WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today followed through on her insistence that Congress do everything possible to protect the Pledge of Allegiance from federal court challenges by casting her vote for H. Con. Res. 245.  The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court should find the use of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools to be consistent with the U.S. Constitution.  While the resolution is non-binding, Emerson insists it is important.

 

“Now is the time to underscore our support for the Pledge of Allegiance.  Every single day in Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives begins its session with the Pledge.  It’s an important part of our day, because it reminds us of the great responsibility of being a good citizen of this nation.  I think every American’s day should begin with this message, especially in our schools,” Emerson said.

 

The resolution was passed Thursday in the House.

 

“Today, it is more important than ever to emphasize good citizenship and patriotism because there are so many negative messages out there on television, in music and on the Internet.  We are blessed to live in a great country, and efforts to marginalize the Pledge of Allegiance are nothing less than efforts to erode our great pride in our country.  I respect the right of others to protest the Pledge or to not participate in it at school, but I think we also have to protect the important right of others to say the Pledge and to honor our country.”

 

The Supreme Court is expected to soon decide whether to take up the case of Michael Newdow, who alleges that the inclusion of the words, “under God,” in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional.  He has previously challenged the recitation of the Pledge in schools, which was upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court but not heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.