Family Values

As a former Chair of the House Family Caucus, a member of the Pro-Life Caucus, and a member of the House's Values Action Team, I am committed to a pro-family agenda and the promotion of value-based initiatives.

Protecting the Right to Life

As a strong supporter of the unborn, I intend to continue to cast my vote in favor of pro-life issues. That means I will oppose funding for abortion and will oppose any legislation that promotes abortion. The right to life is a fundamental principle that I strongly support.

Congress has passed several measures to limit abortions and promote human life. The ban on partial-birth abortions was signed into law four years ago. I am pleased that Congress overwhelmingly expressed its disapproval for this cruel act.

In addition, Congress passed the "Laci and Connor Law," which recognizes a crime against a pregnant woman as having two victims. This was important legislation to further the recognition of life before birth.

I also voted in favor of legislation that would require parental notification before a minor could cross state lines to receive an abortion.

Defending Marriage

Modern culture has continually chipped away at America's value system, most noticeably through an assault on traditional marriage. I am a strong supporter of a Constitutional amendment to define marriage as solely a union between a man and a woman. H.J.Res.22 would prevent state and federal courts from interpreting state or federal constitutional law to require that marital status or marital privileges be extended to domestic partnerships. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation and feel it will take the necessary steps to protect the sanctity of marriage.

"One Nation Under God"

It is essential that we continue to preserve and protect our nation's cultural and religious heritage. In October the Architect of the Capitol, who oversees requests to have flags flow over the Capitol, chose to remove God from flag certificate inscriptions. Upon learning of this, I joined many of my colleagues in demanding that this policy be changed. It is an outrage that bureaucrats are able to unilaterally eliminate references to faith from public institutions. I was pleased when the Architect of the Capitol reversed his position.

Congressman Lewis greets Boy Scout Andrew Larochelle during his visit to the Capitol and to discuss changes in the Architect of the Capitol's policy on flag certificates.

Other Important Values Issues

Another important issue facing Congress is guarding the Ten Commandments from overzealous federal courts attempting to inject ideology into their decisions instead of applying the law. This is especially troubling when their decisions chip away at our religious heritage. I proudly display a copy of the Ten Commandments in my office and will continue to defend the ability for it to be posted in public areas.

There has also been recent attention drawn to ensuring the proper placement of the words, "In God We Trust" on our money. I will continue to fight for preserving our religious heritage in the printing of money.