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For Immediate Release Congressman Pitts Praises Announcement of American Values Agenda Washington – Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today praised the Republican House Leadership for its commitment to protecting traditional values in America. Earlier today, members of the House Leadership, including Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), and Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) announced the American Values Agenda, a package of legislation promoting the values our nation was built upon. Congressman Pitts’ statement follows: “Today’s announcement of the American Values Agenda sends a strong message to the American people: House Republicans understand the importance of the family and traditional American values, and we are committed to their protection and promotion. Among other things, this agenda seeks to protect marriage from being redefined by activist courts, affirm and defend the value of human life, and guard religious freedoms. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming days to see this agenda move forward in the House.” THE AMERICAN VALUES AGENDA: Pledge Protection Act (HR 2389; Rep. Akin) Summary: Protects the Pledge of Allegiance from attacks by activist federal judges seeking to rule it unconstitutional. Freedom to Display the American Flag Act (HR 42; Rep. Bartlett) Summary: Ensures an individual has the right to display the U.S. flag on residential property. The Public Expression of Religion Act (HR 2679; Rep. Hostettler) Summary: Ensures local officials and communities do not face financial ruin to defend their rights to free speech under the Constitution (provides that when state or local officials are sued over public expressions of religion, no monetary damages, costs, or attorney's fees may be awarded). Marriage Amendment (HJRes 88; Rep. Musgrave) Summary: Constitutional amendment declaring marriage to be between a man and a woman Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (HR 356; Rep. C. Smith) Summary: Requires that those performing late-term abortions inform the woman seeking an abortion of the medical evidence that the unborn child feels pain, and ensure that if she chooses to continue with the abortion procedure, she has the option of choosing anesthesia for the child, so that the unborn child’s pain is less severe. Human Cloning Prohibition Act (HR 1357; Rep. D. Weldon) Summary: Bans human cloning and the importation of products derived from a cloned human embryo (e.g. stem cells). BATFE Reform (HR 5092; Rep. Coble) Summary: Reforms the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE) to protect citizens’ rights. Internet Gambling Prohibition (Reps. Leach & Goodlatte): Summary: Addresses the issue of illegal internet gambling by making gambling laws apply equally to the internet. Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act (HR 5013; Rep. Jindal) Summary: Prohibits governments from using federal funds to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens during emergencies. Permanent Tax Relief for Families Summary: Likely series of votes on the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, tax incentives for adoption, and other priorities for American citizens. ### |
