Parlimentary Inquiries

PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES -- (House of Representatives - April 27, 2004)

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman will state his inquiry.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, what are the Rules of the House as it relates to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag?

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Rule XIV prescribes the daily order of business of the House. The third daily order of business is the "Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag."

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, making a further inquiry, are the words "under God" part of the Pledge of Allegiance?

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Section 4 of title 4 of the United States Code depicts the text of the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the Chair and wish to make a further inquiry.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman may inquire.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, if a Member designated to lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance fails to include the words "under God," how would it appear in the Congressional Record?

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Congressional Record will reflect the pledge in its statutory form.

Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the Chair.

Finally, are there any rules governing the manner of delivery of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag?

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Section 4 of title 4, United States Code, provides in pertinent part that the pledge "should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart."

Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the Chair.

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