For Immediate Release
July 19, 2006

Congressman Pitts Supports Pledge Protection Act

Washington – Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today voted in favor of H.R. 2389, The Pledge Protection Act of 2005.  This legislation prevents activist federal judges from denying citizens the right to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  It passed in the House today by a vote of 260-167.

“Millions of Americans were rightfully outraged when a court in California ruled that the phrase ‘under God’ renders our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional.”   Congressman Pitts said.  “Today, Congress responded to this public outcry by passing important legislation protecting our Pledge and the right of Americans to recite it publicly.”

Background

H.R. 2389, the Pledge Protection Act, gives state courts the authority to rule on the constitutionality of the Pledge for their state only.  This will prevent activist federal judges from ruling on the constitutionality of the Pledge for the citizens of states hundreds of miles away.

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